TagFAA(797)

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.

This document describes a Port of Seattle ground lease (Lease #000273) with the FAA/TRACON facility located on the west side of the airfield in SeaTac, Washington. The lease covers approximately 832,011 square feet, was set to expire on September 30, 2022, and includes two renewal options extending until 2062, each for a period of 20 years. The facility serves an aeronautical terminal radar function and is subject to bond and Airport Improvement Project (AIP) funding restrictions that require coordination with Airport Finance & Budget before any changes in property use.

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.

Federal Aviation Administration’s decision disapproving Los Angeles World Airports’ application to restrict and penalize certain easterly Stage 3 aircraft departures from Los Angeles International Airport between midnight and 6:30AM. The FAA found that while LAWA’s application met three of six statutory conditions, all conditions must be satisfied for approval.

In July 2014, the FAA approved a final grant payment of $3,879,406 to the Port of Seattle for noise mitigation work completed at Olympic Elementary School near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The total project cost was approximately $11.36 million, funded through a combination of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, Airport Development Fund (ADF) contributions, and Ad Valorem Tax revenues. Port of Seattle Airport Noise Programs Manager Stan Shepherd notified the treasury department of the approved funds and requested confirmation of availability to issue full payment to the school district.