WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today urged Boeing’s CEO, Mr. James McNerney, to consider conveying its Wichita facility to a local or state development authority. Earlier this month, Boeing announced it would close its Wichita facility by 2013, but the future of the facility is still uncertain.

“Despite the loss of more than 2,000 Boeing jobs, I am confident that given Wichita’s skilled workforce, leading facilities, and dedicated leaders, the city will bounce back, maintaining its reputation as the Air Capital of the World,” Sen. Moran said. “The city of Wichita and the state of Kansas have been key partners in Boeing’s success over the years. As Boeing seeks to find a new owner for the Wichita facility after operations cease in 2013, I ask that you seriously consider conveying the property to a local or state development authority. Such a contribution will enable the city of Wichita to attract new industries and get its economy back on track.”

Sen. Moran also called on McNerney to meet with state and local officials to explore this option further given their longtime support and partnership with Boeing. According to various sources, since 1979 the city of Wichita has provided more than $3.5 billion in industrial revenue bonds to finance Boeing facilities and $650 million in property tax abatements. Boeing has also profited from lower taxes and worker training programs put into place by the state of Kansas. 

The full text of the letter to Mr. McNerney can be accessed here. 

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