TagCACC(63)

The Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission (CACC) held an online public engagement process in August–September 2022 to gather Washington state residents' input on potential new airport sites. Nearly 20,000 users participated, and majorities opposed all ten proposed 'greenfield' locations, citing concerns about environmental impacts, noise, farmland loss, and traffic. The most common feedback at virtual public meetings was opposition to the East King County site, with many participants also raising concerns about proximity to Sea-Tac Airport.

The Washington State Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission's 2022 report to the Legislature identifies six existing airports — including Paine Field, Bremerton National, and Tacoma Narrows — as candidates for expanded aviation capacity, while also exploring potential greenfield sites for a new airport. The report summarizes public input showing that a majority of respondents support building new aviation capacity despite environmental costs, and outlines the Commission's guiding principles of public benefit, economic feasibility, environmental responsibility, and social equity. The Commission's final recommendations are expected by February 15, 2023.

The Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission met in January 2022 to discuss potential airport expansion sites in the Washington State region, including updates on a short list of six airports being considered for additional commercial, cargo, and general aviation capacity. The Commission voted to update its decision-making charter language regarding quorums and voting procedures, and reviewed public concerns about noise and community impact, particularly around Tacoma Narrows Airport. No new greenfield airport sites were added to the list, though the Commission acknowledged that additional sites may eventually be needed to meet future aviation demand.

The PSRC Regional Aviation Baseline Study, published in May 2021 and funded by a $1.6 million FAA grant, examines the current state and future demand of the 29 airports serving the central Puget Sound region. The study supports coordinated regional planning to ensure the airport system can meet long-term growth needs, and its findings were shared with Washington State's Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission, which is tasked with recommending sites for new or expanded commercial aviation capacity. While COVID-19 temporarily slowed passenger travel, the study notes that aviation has historically maintained consistent long-term growth despite periodic downturns.

The Washington State Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission (CACC) was established to address capacity concerns at Sea-Tac International Airport and identify a new primary commercial aviation facility in the state. The commission is following a three-phase process to narrow down candidates from an initial list of 20 airports to a single preferred location by January 2022, with the new facility targeted to be completed and operational by 2040. Key factors guiding site selection include available land, existing runway infrastructure, environmental constraints, proximity to population centers, and access to transportation.