A 2003 Port of Seattle memo updates the Commission on the ballooning costs of the Sea-Tac Third Runway project, which had grown from an approved budget of $773 million to an estimated $1.1–1.15 billion due to environmental permitting delays, litigation, and stricter regulatory requirements. The project, intended to reduce airport congestion by allowing simultaneous landings on two runways during poor weather, was projected for completion in 2008 if construction contracts were advertised promptly. Key cost drivers included $151 million in additional environmental permit requirements, $55 million in delay costs, and $55 million in project scope additions.Open full document
Notes
This memorandum from the Port of Seattle presents a budget update for the Third Runway project at Sea-Tac Airport, noting that costs have significantly increased due to environmental permitting delays, litigation, and added requirements. The forecasted total project cost ranges from $1,108 million to $1,153 million for a 2008 completion, representing a budget increase of $335 million to $380 million over the previously authorized $773 million. Key cost drivers include additional environmental permit requirements ($151 million), project scope additions ($55 million), and costs of delay ($55 million).