Episode 6: The Economic Impacts of Naval Presence and the Growler Jet Program on Whidbey Island with Michael Shuman

How true is the slogan, “Jets = Jobs?” Well, jets do create jobs, but so do most development initiatives. What’s less understood are the negative economic effects of the Naval installations on Whidbey Island, Washington. Economist Michael Shuman (he/him) joins the podcast to share the true economic impacts of these naval installations, both positive and negative. Listen for a clear breakdown of the costs from the Navy to the local community, how Whidbey Island could greatly benefit from economic diversification, like much of the rest of Washington State has done, and what the Navy can do to benefit the local economy and be a good neighbor.

 

Resources:

Learn more about the Growler jets and how to take action at: www.SoundDefenseAlliance.org

 

Glossary Terms:

Opportunity cost - The loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen.

Subsidized - To underwrite something financially, providing the support that keeps it going.

 

Nature sounds recorded in the Olympic National Park (Gordon Hempton, The Sound Tracker, Co-Founder Quiet Parks International)

Hosted by Terra Huey and Caitlin Epstein

Produced by Caitlin Epstein in partnership with the Sound Defense Alliance