The decision by The Boeing Co. to produce the new 737 MAX in Renton has been met with universal praise from community, business and political leaders.

Here are some of their statements:

Mayor Denis Law, City of Renton

“The City of Renton is thrilled that The Boeing Company and the Machinists union have reached a landmark agreement to ensure that the 737 MAX is built in Renton. Renton has been proud to be the home of The Boeing Company for 70 years and to support aviation innovation and excellence.

“The City of Renton is demonstrating on a daily basis our commitment to meeting Boeing’s needs and stand ready to accommodate any new requirements that today’s decision will bring about. Last year we signed a long-term lease agreement with Boeing for its use of Renton Municipal Airport. We continue our efforts to ensure a seamless and speedy permitting process for the capital improvements to the Renton Plant to meet the company’s production needs.

“We are very excited with Boeing’s decision today. This will ensure that for years to come thousands of workers will remain on the job here in Renton, the best place in the world to produce commercial airplanes.”

Bill Taylor, president/CEO, Renton Chamber of Commerce

“It would be difficult to overstate the importance to Renton and indeed the entire state of Wednesday’s announcement concerning the 737 MAX. My immediate reaction was a deep sense of admiration and respect for Boeing and the Machinists for recognizing the mutual benefit of a fair agreement and working together to secure it. Every business and every individual in Renton will benefit in one way or another as a result of the decision to build the MAX here. One can only speculate on the feelings this morning of Boeing suppliers, employees and local businesses, but certainly there is a sense of relief and renewed energy in the knowledge that the odds of a more secure future just improved considerably.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire

“I commend both Boeing management and the Machinists for coming to the table, negotiating in good faith and working together to reach an agreement. This tentative deal recognizes the talent of Boeing’s highly trained workforce, while providing the company the confidence it needs to assure its customers that planes will be delivered on schedule. And as this sector becomes increasingly competitive, this initial agreement shows a strong commitment by both sides to secure the future of aerospace in Washington state.

“Washington state is, and will continue to be, the world’s premier center for aerospace known for building the safest and most innovative planes. In the last few years, I’m proud that Washington state has landed the 787, the Air Force refueling tanker, and now the 737 MAX.

“In this internationally competitive market, we must not take anything for granted. I urge the Legislature to pass my action agenda I announced earlier this month that supports Boeing and our entire aerospace industry. A company’s success – and its ability to grow jobs – is dependent on the talent of its employees. The proposals I laid out will train the workforce needed to ensure this critical industry expands now, and for generations to come.”

Dow Constantine, King County executive

“I am thrilled at news the 737 MAX is landing here in King County. Congratulations to the Machinists and The Boeing Company for working together as partners to reach this historic agreement.

“We’ve seen from personal experience here in King County government how much can be accomplished when management and labor work together.

“This great news is a big step – but only one step – in securing our aerospace future.

“We’ve laid a strong foundation with creation of the King County Aerospace Alliance and the statewide Pegasus Project to build the transportation, education, and other infrastructure to keep Boeing and the more than 400 local aerospace suppliers as the leaders in an increasingly competitive global industry.

“Our job now is to continue to make King County the best place it can be to build airplanes, and the parts that go into airplanes. As the statewide study reveals, we need to be concerned with competition not just from Texas, South Carolina, and other states, but from emerging commercial airplane builders in Canada, Japan, South Korea and other nations.

“We have the opportunity to create new jobs for generations of local workers. We will buckle down to do the hard work to secure our future.”

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray

“This is a monumental day for the future of aerospace in Washington state. There is no better news for our region’s economy than a contract agreement between Boeing and the Machinists, and confirmation that Renton will remain home to the 737 line. The ramifications of this news will be felt in businesses large and small, around kitchen tables, and in communities throughout the Puget Sound for years to come.

“I commend the leadership of both IAM and Boeing for coming to the table, negotiating in good faith, and putting the needs of our region and its workers first. Our state has the skilled workforce, infrastructure, and education resources to continue to be the world’s leader in aerospace. But it’s up to us to ensure that leaders across our state continue to work hand-in-hand to maximize all of our resources.

“When Boeing and IAM work together, our region wins. We saw that with the tanker contract and we are seeing it again today. I look forward to continued cooperation between both sides as they build on the trust and achievements forged in these negotiations.”

Reagan DunnKing County Council

“I am delighted that Boeing will continue to maintain a presence in Renton with the construction of the 737 MAX.  Renton has been home to airplane manufacturing for many years and this new deal cements that legacy for years to come.

“I applaud Boeing and its workers for coming together to preserve jobs in the Puget Sound region.  It’s that kind of cooperation that made the region what it is today and will continue its success into the future.”

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith

“I am pleased that Boeing and the International Association of Machinists have come to an agreement to build the new 737 MAX in Boeing’s Renton plant, pending ratification of a labor agreement. Boeing’s intent to build Next-Generation 737s and the 737 MAXs in the Renton facility is great news for the Puget Sound Region. 737 MAX production in Renton would guarantee employment for thousands of workers and provide a much needed boost to the local economy.

“I applaud the effort that Boeing and IAM have put into securing an early agreement to ensure the Puget Sound Region remains a leader in aerospace manufacturing.”