However, language of order leaves ultimate ownership uncertain
At the Tuesday, October 8 meeting of the Port of Seattle Commission (Sea-Tac Airport Mezzanine 12:00pm), the following Order will be discussed and voted on:
“The Port Commission hereby directs the Executive Director to undertake the Port activities necessary to meet the requirements described in Section 706 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, entitled “Community Use of Airport Land”, in order to meet all requirements of the legislative provision necessary to “permanently restrict the use of airport property to compatible recreational and public park use” with respect to any or all of the North SeaTac Park property owned by the Port of Seattle”
Full 2024_10_08_RM Meeting Agenda/Packet
Section 706 is the area of the FAA law governing ““Community Use of Airport Land”, ie use of airport-owned lands bought with Federal dollars, sometimes referred to as ‘noise lands’. In the 2024 update, the regulation was changed to allow the sale or permanent lease of lands zoned as ‘recreational’ at below fair-market value–language tailored specifically to North Sea-Tac Park. This created strong hope from both the City of SeaTac and community activists that the park would be sold to the City of SeaTac.
The Order is not specific as to which park area will apply. Although Section 706 provides the possibility of transfer of ownership, the Order does not say so directly. The Order may also be read that it is the intent of the Port to retain ownership of the property with a long-term lease rather than transfer ownership to the City of SeaTac. Concerned stakeholders, especially the City of SeaTac will certainly want to obtain clarity on both points at the October 8, Commission Meeting.