TagHistoryLink(7)

Walt Crowley's labour of love. The best single source for people wanting to learn about the ongoing battles between communities and the airport.

By Walt Crowley (with research by Daryl McClary and Paula Becker) Posted 6/21/2003 HistoryLink.org Essay 4211 The development of a third “dependent” runway at Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport, the state’s largest airport, was one of the largest and most sensitive public works projects in regional history. The need for an additional runway for bad-weather operations

By Kit Oldham Posted 11/29/2008 HistoryLink.org Essay 8855 On November 20, 2008, the new third runway at Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport opens to scheduled air traffic when an Alaska Airlines flight takes off for Denver following a dedication ceremony. The 8,500-foot-long runway is the culmination of more than 20 years of planning, construction, and controversy.

Posted 3/21/2003 HistoryLink.org Essay 4200 In March 1992, the Washington State Legislature orders the Air Transportation Commission (AIRTRAC) to study air -transportation issues facing the state, and imposes a moratorium on new runway development at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and at other western Washington airports until the study is complete. This action reflects legislators’ skepticism

Posted 6/27/2000 HistoryLink.org Essay 2511 On November 8, 1983, Seattle restaurateur and celebrity Ivar Haglund (1905-1985) is unintentionally elected to a six-year term on the Seattle Port Commission, after he files to run as a publicity gag. He was annoyed by boxcars that blocked the view of Elliott Bay from his Acres of Clams restaurant.

The Port of Seattle built Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during World War II to relieve pressure on existing airports such as Seattle’s Boeing Field. Following the war, Sea-Tac quickly established itself as the region’s aviation hub, but it had to undertake major improvements to accommodate newer jet aircraft and steadily increasing numbers of passengers. During the