Snohomish County on its way to becoming the ‘Quantum Valley’ of the West
BOTHELL—Maryland-based quantum computing company IonQ celebrated the grand opening of its new 105,000 square foot building in Bothell on Thursday, February 15. This is the very first known dedicated quantum computing manufacturing facility in the United States and the latest, and greatest, next chapter for Snohomish County innovation and industry. The new facility will house […]
Senate Commerce Committee passes Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed the bipartisan Senate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023 on February 9, 2024. The legislation includes several provisions to strengthen safety standards and oversight at the FAA and responds to safety concerns from recent aviation accidents and near-misses. “This bipartisan bill delivers […]
Missing bolts in door plug installation of Alaska flight 1282 led to blowout, NTSB finds
WASHINGTON D.C.—The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), on February 6, released its preliminary findings in the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident involving a mid-cabin door blowing off mid-flight on January 5, 2024. In that report it was found that four key bolts were missing from the cabin door, which prevent upward movement to the aircraft’s […]
Fast, frequent, convenient Swift Orange Line coming March 30
LYNNWOOD—Starting March 30, South Snohomish County will soon enjoy the Community Transit Swift Orange Line—a new, quick and convenient way to get around! The new bus rapid transit (BRT) line—the agency’s third—will provide fast, frequent service linking Edmonds College, Alderwood Mall and Mill Creek, with connections to Link light rail in Lynnwood when it opens […]
Western WA communities get $41.19 million for new electric vehicle charging infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding Western Washington communities tens of millions of dollars to add 180 Electric Vehicle charging stations in Port Angeles, Mount Vernon, and rural cities. The grant will also fund a new electric charging hub for 300 trucks at the Port of Seattle and the Port of […]
Bills to modernize national weather alert system passes Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio Modernization Act (NWR Modernization Act) and the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, bipartisan bills aimed at modernizing the nation’s weather communication and radio alert system, both passed the U. S. Senate on December 18 unanimously and how heads to the House for vote. U.S. […]
Washington airports received $190 million in federal funding for 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C.—A total of $190,387,738 went directly to 37 Washington state airports during 2023 for projects to modernize: runways, maintenance areas, and equipment. In addition, the State of Washington received a $1,000,000 planning grant. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of […]
Spokane named official US hub of aerospace materials manufacturing
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 6, 2023—United States Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Patty Murray (D-WA), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that Spokane-based American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center has been designated as the U.S. tech hub for aerospace materials manufacturing. The designation was made by the […]
Mill Creek to Lynnwood Rapid Swift Orange Line launches March 2024
Snohomish County, Wash., November 5, 2023—Community Transit announced on Thursday that March 30, 2024, is the launch date for the Swift Orange Line. The new bus rapid transit (BRT) line—the agency’s third—will provide fast, frequent service linking Edmonds College, Alderwood Mall and Mill Creek, with connections to Link light rail in Lynnwood when it opens […]
Biden issues executive order on AI safety and security
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 31, 2023—President Joe Biden signed an executive order (EO) on Monday to build U.S. capacity to evaluate and mitigate the risks of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to ensure safety, security, and trust, while promoting an innovative, competitive AI ecosystem that supports workers and protects consumers. “I applaud President Biden for his swift […]
