In 2005, Washington State passed ESSB 5121, directing the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to conduct a multi-phase statewide air transportation capacity study covering both commercial and general aviation airports. The study required an assessment of existing airport facilities and capacity (Phase 1, due July 2006), followed by a 25-year demand and market forecast analysis with focused attention on the Puget Sound region (Phase 2, due July 2007). A 10-member Governor-appointed aviation planning council would then review the findings and make recommendations on how to meet the state's long-term aviation capacity needs, including identifying sites for future airport facilities.Open full document
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A summary brief of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5121, signed into law in 2005, which authorizes a statewide long-term air transportation planning study for general aviation and commercial airports in Washington State. The bill requires WSDOT Aviation to conduct a three-phase study including an airport capacity/facility assessment, a demand/market analysis, and the formation of a governor-appointed aviation planning council. The project is to be funded primarily through FAA grants.