
This pamphlet from the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA) opposes a proposed third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, arguing that construction costs alone could exceed $500 million and balloon to $1.2 billion when mitigation and interest are included. Economists cited in the document warn that the true total cost could approach $2 billion when factoring in school insulation, declining property values, and other indirect impacts on surrounding communities. The RCAA contends that taxpayers and airline passengers would bear up to 92% of the cost while receiving a runway that generates less than 1% return on the public's investment.Open full document
Notes
A mailer from the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA) opposing the proposed third runway at Sea-Tac Airport, arguing it would cost $500 million in construction alone and up to $1.2 billion with mitigation costs and interest. The document cites economists warning the true total cost could approach $2 billion, and criticizes the project as the most expensive runway ever built in the United States, generating less than 1% return on public investment.