TagLegislation(135)

RCW 36.70A.200 requires counties and cities planning under Washington's Growth Management Act to include a process for identifying and siting essential public facilities — defined as those typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities, regional transportation facilities, correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient mental health or substance abuse facilities. The law explicitly prohibits any local comprehensive plan or development regulation from completely blocking the siting of such facilities. It also establishes liability protections for jurisdictions acting in good faith to site secure community transition facilities.

This legislative summary outlines a proposed bill to protect communities near busy flight routes from aviation noise and pollution. It establishes a process for the FAA to designate 'aviation-impacted communities' located within one mile of low-altitude commercial or cargo flight paths, create local community boards to engage with the FAA and airport operators, and develop action plans and mitigation funding for affected residents. Key provisions include grants for sound insulation and noise barriers, eligibility for neighborhoods within a 55 DNL contour, and requirements for the FAA to respond to community concerns within set deadlines.

This document provides an overview of the Aviation Impacted Communities Act, which establishes a formal process for communities affected by airport noise and flight paths. The process begins with the FAA notifying eligible communities of their 'designated community' status, then proceeds through board formation, meetings, studies, action plans, and ultimately grants for mitigation funds. A community qualifies as 'aviation impacted' if it is located no more than one mile from any commercial or cargo jet route at 3,000 feet or less above ground level.

Washington State's Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5955, signed into law on March 19, 2024, addresses aircraft noise mitigation for large port districts like the Port of Seattle, which operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The law allows the port to repair or replace noise mitigation equipment that is no longer functioning properly or has caused structural damage to nearby properties, using non-federal local funding. It also acknowledges that communities of color — including Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander residents in King County — are disproportionately impacted by airport noise, and establishes a state partnership to improve equity and responsiveness in noise mitigation efforts.

Washington State E2SSB 5955 creates the Port District Equity Fund to help large port districts, such as the Port of Seattle, repair or replace failing aircraft noise mitigation equipment in nearby homes and properties. The Department of Commerce administers the grant program, which requires port districts to match at least half of state funding, and mandates annual public reporting on inspections and repairs. The program is set to expire July 1, 2029, with a legislative audit review, and will be fully repealed by July 1, 2030.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5950, passed by the Washington State Legislature on March 7, 2024, is a fiscal appropriations bill that adopts a state budget for the biennium running from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025. The bill authorizes spending from various state funds for agency salaries, wages, and other specified purposes, while amending several existing statutes related to financial management. Note: This bill addresses general state fiscal matters and does not contain provisions specifically related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.