‘Let’s put together some incentives’: Spike welcomes Ferguson’s space council as chance to attract businesses

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed an executive order creating a space council to identify barriers to growth, assess infrastructure, and recommend ways to support Washington’s space industry. He announced the council at the Museum of Flight, outlining an effort to expand the state’s role in the industry.

On “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, co-host Spike O’Neill welcomed the announcement, and co-host Jake Skorheim called for a Washington spaceport and tax incentives for companies launching rockets.

“We got a history of innovation and aeronautics and technology, and let’s see if we can find a way to entice businesses to come here rather than chase businesses out of the state,” Spike said. “Let’s maybe put together some incentives and capitalize on where we’ve been and where we can go together as a state.”

Jake proposes a WA spaceport

After playing Ferguson’s announcement, Jake proposed launching rockets from the San Juan Islands.

“I would also build a spaceport in Washington. There’s no reason why we can’t have, like, out on the San Juans somewhere on an island,” he said. “I want to see rocket launches, just like they do in California, Texas, wherever else they’re launching these things. Florida.”

Spike questioned whether the weather would interfere.

“You think the weather could be an issue? I’m just spitballing. Could the weather be a factor?” Spike said.

“We have three months of perfect weather. You could do three months of rocket launches. The rest of the year, it’s all building up,” Jake responded.

“It’s rocket season,” Spike said.

Jake described the tourism he imagined launches could bring.

“Imagine how excited everyone would be for three months,” Jake said. “You get on your boat, you head out to the San Juans somewhere, and you watch a spaceship. Space launch. You watch a spaceship fly to space.”

Tax incentives for rocket launches

Washington has more than 90 space companies employing more than 13,000 workers, according to the governor’s office.

Jake suggested offering companies a tax exemption to launch rockets in Washington.

“That’s just pure money coming in. That’s advertising itself. You say any business that comes in and wants to launch a rocket here, no taxes for 20 years. No taxes,” Jake said. “We’re not even launching rockets. We’re leaving, like, the main dish on the table. Build it here, launch it here.”

Hosts differ on what the council signals

Spike questioned whether the announcement could mark a change in Washington’s approach to business.

“Is this the first acknowledgment that they’ve been looking at business the wrong way?” Spike said.

“No, of course not. No, no, no. It’s an ideology thing,” Jake responded. “[Ferguson] doesn’t think they’ve looked at businesses the wrong way at all. He’s trying to figure out how to squeeze more money out of them. That’s the only thing he cares about.”

Spike offered a different reading of the announcement.

“This release says, ‘Look, hey, space, we’re open for business. Come here, do business here,’” Spike said.

Jake returned to his proposed launch site.

“I want to see meaningful additions like a spaceport. I want to watch a rocket launch from a floaty in the Puget Sound, and until that happens, you’re wasting our time,” Jake said.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3