September 26, 2017July 29, 2026

Baggage optimization project update

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Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle's Baggage Optimization Project is replacing six individual baggage screening systems at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a single centralized system designed to handle up to 60 million passengers per year. Construction began in May 2017 and is being carried out in three phases, with full completion expected in 2025, at a total project budget of approximately $445 million. The project aims to increase baggage screening capacity, improve flexibility for passengers checking bags, and enhance overall energy efficiency within the airport's existing footprint.

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This Commission briefing memorandum provides an update on the Port of Seattle’s Baggage Optimization project, which replaces six individual baggage screening systems with a centralized system designed to accommodate 60 Million Annual Passengers. The update covers Phase 1 construction progress, Phase 2 design negotiations, and the overall project schedule and budget of $445 million.

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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