Jan. 26, 2006
Executive Sims recognized as 2005 'Economic Development Champion' for Brightwater-related work
 Executive Sims announcing site of Brightwater in 2004 |
Sims was nominated for the award by the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. At the presentation ceremony Jan. 20, Master Builders Association Chairman Jim Potter referred to Sims as a "champion for the economy and the environment."
Potter expressed appreciation for Sims' extraordinary effort in working cooperatively with multiple jurisdictions, permitting agencies and tribal governments on getting the project sited and ready to start construction in early 2006.
The business community had expressed concern that without Brightwater there would not be enough wastewater treatment capacity to support and sustain economic growth over the short-term and long-term. And the state had threatened the possibility of a building moratorium throughout much of King and Snohomish counties if Brightwater is not built and operating by 2010.
Brightwater will create nearly 4,000 building-trade jobs during construction, generating over $250 million in payroll. The facility will provide the necessary infrastructure that will support long-term job creation and economic growth in our region over the next several decades.
Executive Sims also made jobs in the local community a priority, working out an agreement with StockPot, Inc. to remain in the region, preserving about 400 family-wage jobs in Snohomish County and $20 million in annual payroll expenses.
Wastewater treatment is an important infrastructure element required by businesses, especially those industries highly dependent on wastewater disposal such as biotech, manufacturing and aerospace. Boeing's 7E7 assembly site-selection criteria included adequate wastewater treatment capacity.
"Brightwater is a substantial investment in our region's future", said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Since cleaning up Lake Washington in the 1950s, our wastewater system has helped our region maintain a high quality of life by protecting the natural beauty that makes our area a desirable place to live while providing the infrastructure to support growth and investment. I am honored to have been considered for this award."
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