Wittman Regional Could Be Econo Jet's New Home

Boeing knows exactly what it wants. In a well-publicized wish list (ANN: Mon, May 19 2003, " Boeing To Build New Jet In US, Lists Demands"), the commercial aircraft manufacturer states plainly, it wants to put down roots in a community that will want it to stay long after the shine has worn off. Oshkosh (WI) leaders think their town fits the bill.

Oshkosh, already the center of the sport aviation world every summer, when it hosts the EAA annual fly-in, is making a heartfelt pitch for the Boeing 7E7 plant, up against the likes of cities all along Washington's Puget Sound.

"The Fox Valley is a prime candidate, and Wittman is perfect," State Rep. John Townsend (R-Fon du Lac) was quoted as saying by the Capitol Times of Madison (WI). "They need a world class airport and we certainly have that at Wittman." Townsend and other Wisconsin lawmakers are urging Gov. Jim Doyle to step into the effort to lure Boeing. Townsend says the Wisconsin Department of Commerce has already initiated contact with Chicago-based Boeing.

FMI: www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us, www.boeing.com