This June 2025 briefing presented to the Port of Seattle Commission reviews the outcomes of the 2025 Washington State Legislative Session, covering the state budget, major revenue legislation, and Port of Seattle policy priorities. It highlights legislative successes and ongoing work, as well as planning for the 2026 interim period. Note: this document focuses on statewide budget and Port priorities broadly and does not specifically address Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

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A briefing presented to the Port of Seattle Commission on June 24, 2025, reviewing the 2025 state legislative session. The presentation covers the state budget overview, revenue package and major legislation, Port priorities including successes and work in progress, and planning for the 2026 interim. The briefing was delivered by Port staff and contract lobbyists.

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As the source for federal transportation grants, the Puget Sound Regional Council was charged with developing a system to meet the growing need for commercial aviation. When the search for a second airport failed, they authorized the Port of Seattle to build the Third Runway, with a mandate to develop a noise abatement and mitigation program. In their effort to stop the Third Runway, the ACC argued over every detail of the Port's efforts--including property buyouts and sound insulation. The dispute was meant to be settled by a three member Expert Arbitration Panel. This is their final report. It finds 2-1, that the Port's program was insufficient in several respects. Despite that, funding for the Third Runway was approved by the PSRC, and the 'Port Package' program, proceeded largely unchanged. Expert Arbitration Panel's final decision finding that the Port of Seattle had not shown sufficient reduction in real on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy noise reduction conditions required for approval of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The majority decision concluded the Port's noise abatement programs were insufficient despite being impressive in scope.

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