Category : History(256)

A 1973 Seattle Times editorial argues that King County voters were right to reject a proposed change to the Seattle Port Commission's structure, warning that the port's noise-abatement and management record near Sea-Tac Airport would not improve under the new arrangement. The piece contends that the commission, as currently constituted, is more responsive to constituents and that the proposed restructuring would not adequately address jet-aircraft noise complaints from surrounding communities. Voters are urged to maintain the existing commission structure rather than gamble on an unproven alternative.

Neighbors of Seattle-Tacoma Airport expressed support for a proposed port setup, with a spokeswoman stating her backing for the Seattle Commission's position opposing House Bill 319, which would have changed how airport-area County Council districts were elected. The Port Commission and King County Council had consulted with the Federal Aviation Administration regarding a $100,000 study to determine how to address airport noise and pollution affecting nearby residents. A Zone Three Committee was formed to represent airport-area residents and push for more responsive local governance on noise-related issues.

This March 1, 1973 edition of the Cashmere Valley Record covers Washington State legislative activity, including Senate passage of an annual sessions bill, a state lottery measure, and a supplemental budget. Local topics include the Alpine Lakes Land Use Alternatives debate and its potential economic impact on Chelan County's timber and tax base. The paper also features commentary on social security increases, gun control legislation, and a Red Cross fundraising appeal for Chelan County communities.

A February 1973 Seattle Times article reports on a legislative battle over the Port of Seattle Commission, sparked by complaints from South End residents about noise and land-use impacts near Sea-Tac Airport. Representative King Lysen proposed a reform bill that would shift from county-wide to district-based election of port commissioners, arguing that millionaire commissioners were unresponsive to affected communities. The bill gained an initial victory in a House committee, though port officials and some legislators pushed back against the proposed restructuring.

A February 6, 1973 edition of The Seattle Times covers Washington State legislative activity, including debates over no-fault car insurance rates, a supplemental budget being readied for Senate action, and a proposal by King County Democrat Lysen to limit the Port of Seattle's authority to levy taxes on property owners — a move with potential implications for port operations and airport-related financing. The issue also touches on a state lottery bill and various other legislative measures under consideration in Olympia.

This February 1, 1973 edition of The Seattle Times covers a range of Washington State legislative news, including debates over oil-spill cleanup legislation, a delayed pay-raise budget, and proposals to create a new county. While the issue touches on environmental regulation and state policy, it does not contain specific coverage of Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

This document chronicles the early history of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (originally known as Bow Lake Airport), tracing its origins from 1942 when Seattle faced overcrowding at Boeing Field and growing demand for commercial air travel. Compiled by Port of Seattle engineers Chet Clausen and Ray Bishop, it details how the Seattle Chamber of Commerce began surveying new airport sites in 1941 and secured a $1 million federal grant from the Civil Aeronautics Administration — an offer that nearby Tacoma and Vancouver, Washington had previously forfeited by delaying their decisions.