TagAIP(61)

This document outlines the Highline School District's completed and planned school construction and renovation projects funded through a combination of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFC), and Ad Valorem (local tax) funds. The 15 schools listed, located in SeaTac, Des Moines, and Burien — communities surrounding Sea-Tac Airport — received noise mitigation and facility upgrades, with total project costs approaching $100 million. Completed projects through 2013 accounted for approximately $61.4 million in spending, with additional schools scheduled for construction through 2030.

In 2015, FAA officials exchanged emails explaining how federal Airport Improvement Program grant funds were used to replace the Olympic Elementary School in the Highline School District near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Because Olympic fell within the airport's 65 DNL noise zone but was deemed not worth insulating, the FAA allowed approximately $3.9 million in noise-mitigation funds to offset construction of the new Marvista Elementary School instead. The exchange was prompted by a Washington State Auditor inquiry questioning whether Davis-Bacon Act and other federal compliance requirements applied, given that the grant was awarded after the construction project had already been completed.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a grant to the Port of Seattle to fund noise mitigation work at Olympic Elementary School near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with a maximum federal contribution of $3.9 million covering 80% of allowable project costs. The grant (AIP Grant Number 3-53-0062-131-2013) was formally closed out on December 9, 2014, with a final paid amount of $3,879,406 after all work was confirmed satisfactorily completed and costs verified as reasonable and eligible. The Port of Seattle is required to retain all supporting project documentation for a minimum of three years from the final reimbursement request, in accordance with Federal Regulation 49 CFR Part 18.42.

In September 2013, the FAA's Seattle Airports District Office issued a grant offer of $3,900,000 to the Port of Seattle for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport under AIP Project Number 3-53-0062-131-2013. The grant required acceptance by the airport sponsor no later than September 13, 2013, with proper execution of the Grant Agreement by authorized officials and the sponsor's attorney. The fully executed agreement was confirmed and transmitted on September 12, 2013.

In September 2013, the FAA's Seattle Airports District Office issued a $3,900,000 grant offer to the Port of Seattle for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport under AIP Project Number 3-53-0062-131-2013. The grant agreement was fully executed by September 12, 2013, meeting the required acceptance deadline of September 13, 2013. All environmental analysis and approval requirements were fulfilled in accordance with FAA Order 5050.4B, the Airport Environmental Handbook.

This 2013 report from the National Academies provides updated guidelines for airport sound insulation programs (SIPs), helping airport sponsors manage the process of reducing aircraft noise in homes, schools, hospitals, and other noise-sensitive buildings. It covers key topics such as construction contracting, federal funding requirements, and best practices for working with homeowners and contractors on government-funded renovation projects. The guidelines are intended for use by airport staff, consultants, and FAA offices in developing compliant noise compatibility programs.

The Northwest Mountain Regional Airport Plan (RAP) 2012 outlines the FAA's priorities for airport system development across the Northwest Mountain Region, covering safety improvements, runway upgrades, and investment strategies for 136 focus airports. The plan addresses key initiatives such as runway safety areas, wildlife hazard assessments, and preparation for NextGen technologies, with funding decisions guided by a regional Board of Directors overseeing the Airport Improvement Program. Note that this document covers regional airport planning broadly and does not specifically address Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

The FAA Airport Compliance Manual (Order 5190.6B), effective September 30, 2009, provides guidance to FAA personnel on ensuring that airport sponsors meet their federal obligations when they accept federal funds or property for airport purposes. It analyzes grant assurances, surplus property conditions, and other legal commitments that airports must uphold, and outlines the compliance program's objectives, responsibilities, and enforcement procedures. The manual is administered by the FAA's Airport Compliance Division and serves as the authoritative reference for interpreting and managing airport sponsor obligations nationwide.

The Washington Aviation System Plan is a Long-Term Air Transportation Study published in July 2009 by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT Aviation), partially funded by an FAA planning grant and Washington State grants. It was developed in collaboration with a consulting team including SH&E, WHPacific, URS Corp., PRR, and Cambridge Systematics, with input from airport sponsors and a Technical Advisory Committee. The plan examines Washington State's aviation system needs and future development, though its contents do not represent official FAA policy or commitments to specific development projects.