Survey Shows South Sound Residents, Businesses Like JBLM, Hate Traffic

Survey Shows South Sound Residents, Businesses Like JBLM, Hate Traffic

Full results to be presented on November 12 to the Public at SSMCP Annual Forum

In September 2015, the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP) conducted a survey of Pierce and Thurston County residents and businesses regarding their knowledge of, attitudes about, and dependence on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. 

47% of responding residents stated they lived in a neighborhood with active duty service members and 82% stated that they were supportive of JBLM service members in the community.   40% reported that they were a veteran household.  48% percent saw JBLM as a positive economic engine for the region; 19% saw it making the South Sound safer. 

46% of residents saw JBLM as a significant cause of traffic congestion and 23% saw JBLM as causing significant negative noise.  27% of residents felt there were no negatives impacts of JBLM’s presence. 

46% of area businesses reported having veteran employees; 56% have a veteran hiring preference.  80% of responding businesses have JBLM related customers.  84% reported that JBLM is a good or excellent neighbor.   

61% of businesses reported that they felt JBLM had a significantly negative influence on area traffic congestion.

The survey results reflect a perception that JBLM causes traffic congestion.  However, I-5 has not been widened in the JBLM area since 1975, and is inadequate to meet today’s civilian demand.  Between 1970 and 2010, the population of Washington State almost doubled, Pierce County grew by 95 percent, and Thurston County grew by 228 percent. 

The full results of the SSMCP’s Business & Community Survey will be presented at its November 12 Annual Public Forum.  Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ssmcp-4th-annual-forum-tickets-18143858770

The mission of the SSMCP is to foster communication, understanding and mutual benefit by serving as the most effective point of coordination for resolution of those issues which transcend the specific interests of the military and civilian communities of the South Sound region.  The group is open to any group, agency, or organization interested in community/military issues in the Pierce and Thurston Counties areas.  Learn more at www.ssmcp.org