Sources: Charlotte may be in running for Boeing plant

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The city of Charlotte is in the running for a massive manufacturing plant for jet maker Boeing. Sources confirm city leaders have been asked by Boeing to submit a proposal for the project by next week.

But so far local leaders are being tight-lipped. The city of Charlotte declined to comment on whether its been contacted by Boeing. The Chamber of Commerce isn't talking either. Even Gov. Pat McCrory, who frequently talks about his job recruiting efforts, was reluctant to weigh in.

"I'm not in a position to confirm or deny potential economic development opportunities," McCrory said.

Still, multiple sources said the city is putting together a proposal for the plant, which would need 300 to 400 acres of land on or near the airport. The plant would assemble the 777X jetliner.

Many expect the winning city to offer tens of millions of dollars in financial incentives. That could be a challenge in North Carolina where legislators have recently backed away from using incentives to lure businesses.

Republican Sen. Bob Rucho, though, says the Boeing case could be different. Not only does he say that spin-off businesses attracted to a Boeing plant could quickly create a return on an state investment , but he says the state now has other cards to play.

"Starting in January of 2014 this is a very attractive state to be in. We've had personal income tax reductions, we've had corporate income tax deductions, we've had regulators reform," Rucho said.

Boeing says it wants to see proposals from cities and states by the middle of next week. The company plans to make a decision on a location early next year.

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