TagPort Of Seattle(2609)

The City of Des Moines, WA is proposing the formation of a permanent Airport Advisory Committee to advise the City Council on matters related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including review of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), potential interlocal agreements with airport partners, and the city's strategy with the Port of Seattle. The committee would consist of at least three Des Moines residents, including at least one City Council member, and would meet quarterly to evaluate airport-related issues and provide recommendations. Staff submitted the proposal for Council approval at the February 6, 2025 meeting, following a unanimous Council vote in October 2024 to establish such a committee.

This proposed Washington State bill would require large port districts — such as those operating major airports like Sea-Tac — to develop and adopt environmental justice implementation plans aimed at reducing health and environmental disparities in surrounding communities. The plans must include specific goals, measurable metrics, community engagement strategies, and timelines for incorporating environmental justice considerations into port activities. It also establishes oversight for major capital projects valued at $8 million or more, or any actions that increase the number of airport gates.

The Port of Seattle submitted an environmental checklist in January 2025 for a limited update to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Water System Plan, covering the period 2025–2028. The update addresses routine maintenance and infrastructure improvements to SEA's drinking water and fire protection system, including pipe replacements, new surge tanks, additional water storage, and a backup water supply connection to Highline Water District. Washington State Department of Health approval and Port of Seattle Commission adoption are required before the plan can be implemented.

The Port of Seattle Commission held a regular meeting on January 28, 2025, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Conference Center, covering routine business such as approval of meeting minutes, claims and obligations totaling over $101 million, and several collective bargaining agreements with airport workers. Key agenda items included a joint marketing agreement with Washington State Tourism worth up to $1.5 million to promote international tourism, as well as authorization for dredging project contracts and airline technical representative services. The meeting was open to the public both in person and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

The Highline Forum held its first 2025 meeting on January 22 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, hosted by the Port of Seattle, focusing on state and federal legislative issues affecting the Highline area. The hybrid meeting covered topics including community co-chair selection, a StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) update from the Airport's Managing Director, and opportunities for public comment via email, Microsoft Teams, or in person. Six additional meetings are scheduled throughout 2025, hosted by local municipalities and institutions including the cities of Federal Way, Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac, and Highline College.