The Ninth District covers much of central Pierce County. The
deep water Port of Tacoma contributes significantly to the
Northwest economy and Pierce County's position as a major
regional trade and service center. The manufacturing sector
produces lumber and wood prodcuts, chemicals, metals food,
clothing and airplane parts. The county has agricultural resources
and is also increasingly becoming a high-tech and financial
services hub.
The Puyallup Valley, in the heart of the 9th District, has
contributed to the County's rich agricultural heritage. Notable
agricultural products include berries, lettuce, beans, cabbage
and daffodil bulbs. In addtion to being the nation's number
one producer of rhubarb, it is also home to the sixth largest
fair in the United States: the Puyallup Fair.
Underlying the strong economy is the stabilizing influence
of three major military installations: Fort Lewis (the U.S.
Army's only power projection platform west of the Rocky Mountains),
McChord Air Force Base (home of the Air Force's workhorse,
the C-17) and Madigan Army Medical Center.
The Ninth District includes the Pierce County communities
of Edgewood, Dupont, Fife, Milton, Puyallup, Roy, Spanaway,
Steilacoom and the Puyallup Indian Reservation, as well as
portions of the cities of Tacoma and Lakewood.