Charlotte putting together offer for Boeing
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte officials are putting together a bid for Boeing’s new plant to build its 777X jetliner.
Former city aviation director Jerry Orr said Chicago-based Boeing has sent the city a request for a proposal for the plant, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Officials say the next generation aircraft plant could create more than 8,000 jobs.
“Everyone wants this,” said Orr. “This is the big prize.”
Documents obtained by the newspaper show Boeing wants land for the plant at little or no cost, as well as tax incentives. It also says it needs a technically skilled workforce.
Boeing has sent requests for proposals to more than a dozen cities around the country.
Charlotte has undeveloped land around Charlotte Douglas International Airport and a new rail yard. It’s unclear how much the city and the state would be able to offer in tax breaks.
The company already has a plant in North Charleston, S.C., that makes the 787 Dreamliner. North Charleston is one of the locations being considered.
The deadline for bids is next Tuesday.
Officials in Charlotte won’t say much about the possibility.
“I’m aware of it, but can’t comment on it,” said Brad Richardson, the city’s economic development director.
Charlotte Chamber president Bob Morgan, officials at Charlotte Douglas International and the North Carolina Commerce Department would not talk about the possibility.
Boeing spokesman Doug Alder said the company hopes to make a decision on where to put the plant early next year.