TagCity Of SeaTac(238)

This document is a Waiver of Conflict signed by the cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac, Washington, acknowledging that their legal interests may potentially conflict with those of Vashon Island Fair Skies while being jointly represented by the law firm Leech Tishman Nelson Hardiman, Inc. The three cities voluntarily consent to this shared legal representation in connection with a formal challenge to the FAA's environmental review decision regarding near-term construction projects outlined in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The cities also acknowledge they were advised of their right to seek independent legal counsel before signing the waiver.

In November 2025, the law firm Ogden Murphy Wallace (OMW) agreed to jointly represent the cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac as special environmental counsel in matters related to the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan. The firm's scope of work covers environmental review processes under federal (NEPA) and state (SEPA) law, as well as any potential litigation against the Port of Seattle or the Federal Aviation Administration. Attorneys are billed at hourly rates ranging from $300 to $535 depending on role and experience, with no advance fee deposit required.

The cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac have jointly hired the law firm Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl to challenge the Federal Aviation Administration's approval of the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The firm will file a Petition for Review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, naming the FAA as the respondent. Under the agreement, SeaTac will receive and pay all legal invoices on behalf of the three cities, with legal fees starting with a $10,000 retainer and billed at $540 per hour for the lead attorney.

The cities of SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, and Normandy Park are jointly challenging the FAA's environmental review of the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), arguing that a September 2025 Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) failed to adequately address their concerns about airport expansion impacts. The SeaTac City Council is being asked to approve a budget amendment of up to $350,000, authorize an Interlocal Agreement among the four cities, and hire two law firms to advocate for airport-affected communities. The action reflects ongoing efforts by neighboring cities to ensure environmental impacts of SEA airport growth are properly evaluated under both federal (NEPA) and state (SEPA) law.