Category : Meetings(460)

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on February 24, 2021 brought together the Port of Seattle and neighboring communities to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The agenda included updates on new operating procedures, neighborhood environmental survey results, and reports from the Federal Policy and Aviation Noise Working Groups. The meeting was facilitated by BDS Planning & Urban Design, a firm specializing in inclusive community decision-making processes.

The StART Aviation Noise Working Group met on February 8, 2021, to review updated operating procedures, discuss late-night noise issues driven by increased cargo flights during COVID-19, and examine fleet changes trending toward quieter aircraft at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key findings included FedEx leading in late-night noise exceedances, a significant drop in Third Runway use during late-night hours, and an FAA survey showing 66% of residents near airports are highly annoyed by aviation noise. Future topics under consideration include incentives or penalties for carriers operating late at night and further studies on ultrafine particulates and public health impacts.

The StART Federal Policy Working Group met on February 1, 2021, to discuss opportunities under the Biden administration to advance the group's federal aviation policy priorities, including sustainability and noise-related issues near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Presenter Eric Schinfeld of the Port of Seattle outlined three mechanisms for achieving policy goals: executive action, legislation, and budget reconciliation, highlighting the COVID relief and Build Back Better packages as key vehicles. The group also identified target congressional relationships to develop, including outreach to Senator Cantwell, Representative Larsen, Eastern Washington members of Congress, and peer aviation communities in Boston and the Bay Area.

This document summarizes the StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on December 9, 2020, where participants discussed the outcomes of a Federal Policy Working Group meeting regarding how national election results might affect aviation noise legislation, and planned a virtual Washington DC Fly-In for cities and the Port of Seattle to meet with Congress and the FAA. Members also reflected on three years of StART participation, with representatives from Normandy Park, Burien, SeaTac, and Alaska Airlines noting that initial skepticism had given way to productive partnerships and meaningful dialogue about balancing airport growth with community impacts. The meeting concluded with a discussion of priorities for 2021 and a farewell to outgoing facilitator Phyllis Shulman.

The SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) held a video conference meeting on December 9, 2020, focused on reviewing the Federal Policy Working Group's recent discussions and planning priorities for 2021. Members from the Port of Seattle, six neighboring communities (SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Tukwila, and Federal Way), Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and the FAA reflected on StART's accomplishments and shared input on strengthening community relationships. The group's comments and survey results were submitted to the StART Steering Committee to shape the organization's 2021 agenda, with the next public meeting scheduled for February 24, 2021.

This document summarizes a December 7, 2020 virtual meeting of the StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) Federal Policy Working Group, which brings together representatives from cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Port of Seattle staff, and congressional offices to address aviation noise and policy issues. The meeting covered how the 2020 election results might affect airport-related legislation, a review of European Union aviation environmental policies—including tying airline financial relief to green commitments—as a potential model for U.S. advocacy. The group also discussed plans for a virtual Washington D.C. fly-in to meet with Congress, the FAA, and the Department of Transportation to advance the StART policy agenda.

Sound Transit CEO Peter Rogoff presented to the Highline Forum in November 2020, outlining multiple light rail extensions under construction across the greater Seattle region. A key highlight for the Sea-Tac area is the Federal Way Link Extension, a 7.8-mile line with three new stations scheduled to open in 2024, which will connect the Federal Way Transit Center to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in approximately 15 minutes.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) presented the Puget Sound Gateway Program to the Highline Forum in November 2020, outlining plans to complete SR 509 in King County and SR 167 in Pierce County. The SR 509 project includes creating a new south access point to Sea-Tac Airport, improving freight connections to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, and reducing congestion on local roads. The program also proposes tolling as a tool for sustainable congestion management.