TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to host a City Council Study Session designed to develop a regional and national strategy to advocate for the extension of a contract with the Pentagon for C-17 cargo planes, with participation by and invitations to members of Congress, the State Legislature, impacted businesses, members of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, impacted employee associations, and The State and Federal Advocacy Team.
DISCUSSION
Direct the City Manager to host a Council Study Session designed to develop a regional and national strategy to advocate for the extension of a contract with the Pentagon for C-17s. The participants / invitees should include representatives from our:
Congressional Offices State Legislative Offices Impacted Businesses Convention and Visitor's Bureau Membership (business hotel bookings) Impacted Employee Associations State and Federal Advocacy Team
Background
Boeing executives have announced that the Pentagon may recommend halting new orders for C-17 cargo planes. The Pentagon has reported that the Air Force cannot place orders for additional C-17s until it has completed developing a plan for its next round of weapon systems, which isn't expected until early next year, leaving the C-17's status in limbo. If new orders are not placed, Boeing would have to gradually scale back production as the C-17 program neared completion, shutting down the line altogether in 2008.
Approximately 6,500 Boeing employees work on the C-17 assembly line in Long Beach. Phasing out of C-17 production in Long Beach would have far reaching economic impacts. 500 firms throughout Southern California employ almost 5,000 workers that make parts for the C-17. An additional 200 subcontractors in 41 states supply parts and services.
The C-17 was first delivered in 1993 it has a range of 2,400 miles, can carry 171,000 pounds and can land on short dirt runways. It's been used to deliver troops to the battlefield and fly back casualties, and h...
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