TagPort Of Seattle Commission(302)

In February 2021, the Port of Seattle Commission was asked to authorize the purchase of a 14.3-acre strip of former SR-509 highway right-of-way from WSDOT for approximately $3.15 million. The land, located in Des Moines, WA adjacent to the Port's Des Moines Creek West property, was intended to support development near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The acquisition aimed to consolidate Port-controlled land in an industrial corridor close to the airport's flight path.

This 2021 Tree PAC questionnaire captures Port of Seattle Commissioner candidate responses on environmental justice, tree canopy, and pollution issues affecting South Seattle and South King County communities. The candidate, a fourth-generation Japanese American raised in Beacon Hill, advocates for cleaning up the Duwamish River, preserving North SeaTac Park from development, and expanding urban tree canopy in historically redlined neighborhoods. Key proposals include partnering with cities and King County to strengthen tree protection ordinances, requiring environmental justice evaluations before Port projects, and empowering Indigenous tribes as land stewards.

In this October 2020 letter, Port of Seattle Commission President Peter Steinbrueck responds to Councilmember Harris's inquiry about funding repairs for previously installed, failed noise mitigation packages near Sea-Tac Airport. Steinbrueck clarifies that the Commission's Motion 2020-04 was focused on accelerating existing Part 150 sound insulation projects, not on addressing failed installations, and that no formal program for a 'second chance' noise remedy has been approved. The Port cites COVID-19 financial impacts, lack of federal reimbursement, and the need for more information from the Councilmember as key obstacles to pursuing any new program.

The Port of Seattle's August 2020 commission meeting addressed a proposal to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Burien to fund the Miller Creek Culvert Replacement project, which aims to remove failing culverts that block fish passage and restore stream habitat. The project, led by the City of Burien, had completed planning, design, and permitting, with construction scheduled for Summer 2021, but faced a funding shortfall requiring Port involvement. The Commission had previously passed a motion in November 2019 to advance the project, which focuses on environmental restoration rather than airport noise policy.

Port of Seattle Commission resolution establishing the Century Agenda Policy Directive to codify goals guiding strategic planning, budget, and resource allocation. The resolution formalizes the Port’s 25-year vision of adding 100,000 jobs while reducing environmental footprint, and incorporates amendments for carbon emission reduction goals and increased participation by minority and women-owned businesses.

In April 2020, the Port of Seattle Commission voted to expand the allowable uses of the South King County Fund — originally created to address Sea-Tac Airport noise and environmental concerns — to include economic development activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund, capped at $10 million, can now support efforts such as workforce training, small business assistance, and job retention for communities near the airport. The original environmental and noise-mitigation projects previously funded remain eligible, and equity principles continue to guide how the money is distributed.

The Port of Seattle Commission adopted Resolution No. 3771 in March 2020 to authorize the acquisition of property easements and access rights around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as part of the 2019 Flight Corridor Safety Program. The program aims to remove trees and other obstructions that interfere with aircraft landing and takeoff corridors, in compliance with FAA requirements and state law. The Port is directed to first pursue voluntary negotiations with affected property owners, but is authorized to use eminent domain condemnation proceedings if those negotiations fail.