Snohomish County to Establish World-Leading Research and Development Center for Sustainable Aviation Fuels at Paine Field

Snohomish County is poised to create the world's first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) repository at Paine Field, with a proposed $6. 5 million in start-up funding from the state senate. This pioneering initiative, developed in collaboration with Washington State University (WSU), aims to address the urgent global demand for SAF and tackle pressing environmental issues in aviation. The repository will allow for the testing, indexing, and distribution of SAF samples, filling a significant gap in current aviation infrastructure. Local officials, including County Executive Dave Somers and Council Chair Jared Mead, have lauded the project's potential to enhance both the aerospace industry and environmental sustainability in the region.

Dr. Joshua Heyne from WSU emphasized that this effort aligns local agricultural and industrial interests with global sustainability goals. The repository will also support large-scale testing of SAF samples to ensure safety and market readiness. With a focus on innovation, the project aims to reduce costs and environmental impacts of aviation fuels. A Request for Qualifications is set to be released to identify a contractor for developing the business plan by September 2023.