City of Des Moines Letter to Executive Director Metruck in Response to Port Of Seattle

In a September 12, 2019 letter to Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck, Des Moines Mayor Matt Pina outlines the city's concerns about Sea-Tac Airport's decision to allocate $10 million for Sustainable Airport Master Plan design work without environmental review or stakeholder notice, which prompted Des Moines to temporarily suspend its participation in the StART Committee. The letter demands specific, verifiable data on six noise-mitigation measures the Port claimed to have accomplished, including late-night flight reductions, runway glide slope adjustments, and third-runway usage limits, arguing these initiatives have been overstated as completed achievements. While expressing willingness to re-engage and noting several positive Port-city partnerships, Des Moines calls for greater transparency and accountability in the airport's community engagement process.

Notes

Mayor Matt Pina, on behalf of the Des Moines City Council, responds to Executive Director Stephen Metruck’s September 5, 2019 letter regarding the City’s temporary suspension from the StART Committee. The letter reaffirms the five issues prompting suspension: $10 million SAMP Near-Term project design funding allocated without environmental review (SEPA violation), meeting held in Kirkland, item placed on consent agenda without stakeholder notice. The City poses six specific questions demanding transparency and measurable results on: Late Night Noise Limitation program, night-time flight schedule accommodations, runway glide slope adjustment (estimated 4-year FAA process, $5–$30 million cost per Robert Tyroski presentation February 27, 2019), FAA efforts to reduce Third Runway night use, Ground Noise Analysis (described as unimplemented proposal), and airline fleet upgrades at Sea-Tac Airport. The letter also enumerates positive Port-City partnerships including Des Moines Marina emergency access, 216th Street infrastructure improvements, Des Moines Creek Business Park (Panattoni), Light Rail/SR-509 extension, habitat restoration, and three economic development grants. Signed by Mayor Matt Pina; cc’d to Port of Seattle Commission, Lance Lyttle, numerous Washington State legislators, U.S. Congress members, and neighboring city mayors.

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