TagNEPA(463)

The Port of Seattle presented a Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects update to commissioners on May 26, 2026, covering both federal (NEPA) and state (SEPA) environmental review processes for planned expansions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The projects include new terminals, taxiway extensions, cargo facilities, a fuel farm expansion, and other infrastructure improvements spread across the airport campus. The presentation outlined the completion of a Final Environmental Assessment and FAA Finding of No Significant Impact, as well as the next steps for a Draft SEPA Environmental Impact Statement and community outreach.

The Port of Seattle is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under Washington State's Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) for 31 near-term construction and improvement projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). These projects, drawn from the airport's 2018 Sustainable Airport Master Plan, aim to improve passenger facilities, safety, efficiency, and airport access ahead of a projected 2032 completion date. The review follows a completed federal environmental assessment and addresses the region's growing air travel demand while evaluating potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures.

The Burien Airport Committee is scheduled to meet on May 19, 2026, to discuss key aviation policy topics including a SAMP Environmental Impact Statement planning session, a proposed restructuring of the StART regional airport advisory group, and a NEPA review update. Draft minutes from the April 21, 2026 meeting show the committee also addressed the Port of Seattle's response to Burien's request for revisions to the Sound Insulation Program, with the committee expressing continued disagreement over the Port's criteria for qualifying homes for noise-reduction packages. Members of the public can participate in person at Burien City Hall, via Zoom, or by submitting written comments by email before 4:45 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

The Federal Aviation Administration filed an amended certified index to the administrative record in two Ninth Circuit cases challenging the FAA's September 24, 2025, Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for near-term construction projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The cases were brought by Vashon Island Fair Skies and the City of Burien, among others, who are contesting the agency's environmental review of the airport expansion plans. The full administrative record was made available to petitioners electronically on May 8, 2026.