Washington Senate Bill 5955 would require large port districts operating airports with more than 900 daily flights — such as Sea-Tac — to launch a remedial mitigation program addressing failed soundproofing, air quality, green space, and community facilities in noise-impacted neighborhoods. The bill would fund these programs through a portion of the port's annual property tax levy revenue and establish a state environmental equity fund, managed by the Department of Commerce, to provide grants and loans to qualifying ports. Property owners within ten miles of the airport experiencing 55 decibels or more of aircraft noise would be eligible for free inspections and mitigation equipment, with priority given to homes where previously installed soundproofing has failed.Open full document
Notes
Senate Bill Report for SB 5955, dated January 16, 2024, covering legislation to require large port districts operating airports with more than 900 daily flights to undertake remedial mitigation programs. The bill requires use of property tax levy revenue for these programs and establishes a port district environmental equity fund managed by the Department of Commerce. The report outlines program requirements including sound mitigation, air quality improvements, urban forests, and inspection protocols.