Washington Business 2018 AWB Rural Jobs Outlook | Page 10

Infrastructure is the foundation of a strong , competitive economy , providing access to and for thriving communities . Recently , AWB joined with the state ' s ports , cities and counties to release a comprehensive report that lays out exactly the kinds of investments that Washington ' s infrastructure needs . The report found that Washington needs $ 190 billion of investment , from water storage , safe drinking water and structurally-deficient bridges to clogged highways . With that level of investment , up to 660,000 jobs are created . Washington state has a diverse economy — with significant technology , healthcare , manufacturing , agriculture , trade , and natural resource sectors benefiting rural , suburban , and urban communities . The state is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies , it imports and exports over $ 70 billion worth of goods through its ports each year , and is home to over 7,000 small businesses . Washington state contributes well over $ 300 billion annually to the U . S . economy , making the state a critical player in the nation ’ s economic success .

Rural infrastructure funding , preservation , and maintenance is necessary for rural economic development . Public-use airports are needed to transport goods to and from rural areas and open the world to these rural communities . Housing affordability and availability in rural areas is critical to supporting a quality workforce . Maintained roads provide workers safe transportation to jobs and increase the ability to move goods from rural areas to markets across the globe . Forest and lands management sustaining healthy outdoors provides opportunities for a diversified economy in rural communities . Up-todate and accessible broadband is critical to supporting workforce training and education efforts in our rural counties .

Infrastructure Type and Estimated Total Need

Generally over the next 20 years