Tagpos_rm_2020_02_25(35)

This February 2020 Port of Seattle briefing outlines Sea-Tac Airport's noise mitigation efforts, including abatement measures like the Fly Quiet Program, a network of 24 permanent and 5 portable noise monitors, and community outreach initiatives. The briefing focuses primarily on ongoing and potentially accelerated sound insulation programs designed to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. Staff recommendations for expanding these programs were also presented to Port commissioners at the meeting.

In February 2020, the Port of Seattle Commission proposed Motion 2020-04, directing the acceleration of the sound insulation program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to provide relief to communities affected by aircraft noise. The motion instructs the Executive Director to implement the necessary staffing, funding, and contracting to deliver the program efficiently, while coordinating with other public agencies to complement existing programs for low-income housing and energy upgrades. Port staff are required to regularly update the Commission Aviation Committee on progress and present a preliminary implementation plan alongside the 2021 budget approval.

The Port of Seattle Commission held a regular meeting on February 25, 2020, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering a range of airport and maritime topics. Key noise-related items included a Noise Programs Briefing and Motion 2020-04, which directed the acceleration of the sound insulation program at Sea-Tac Airport. Additional agenda items addressed airport infrastructure, security upgrades, and the Sustainable Airport Master Plan Environmental Review.

A February 2020 Port of Seattle Commission briefing memo details a proposed $40 million budget increase for the North Satellite (NSAT) Modernization project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, bringing the total estimated cost to approximately $712 million. The overrun was driven by unforeseen site conditions, contaminated soils, labor shortages, added construction scope, and enhanced passenger service measures needed during construction. The project, managed by contractor Hensel Phelps, remained on track for a Q3 2021 completion with 10 gates maintained for Alaska Airlines operations throughout Phase 2.

In February 2020, the Port of Seattle Commission passed a motion supporting the development of a maritime and ocean sciences high school in the Seattle area, particularly aimed at serving underrepresented youth in the Duwamish Valley community. The motion responds to a workforce shortage in Washington's maritime industry, where the average worker age is 54 and women and people of color remain significantly underrepresented. The initiative, informed by a $150,000 stakeholder study titled 'A Changing Tide,' seeks to create equitable career pathways into maritime jobs for students furthest from economic opportunity.

This February 2020 briefing presents a $40 million budget increase request for the North Satellite Terminal (NSAT) project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, raising the total forecast from the Commission-approved $672 million to $712 million, a 5.9% increase. The additional costs are attributed to differing site conditions, changes in construction process, potential construction risks, scope added by the Port and airlines, and added support costs and management reserve. The briefing was presented to the Port of Seattle Commission on February 25, 2020.

The Port of Seattle Commission passed Resolution No. 3771 authorizing the acquisition of property easements and access rights around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to remove trees and other obstructions that interfere with aircraft flight paths during landing and takeoff. The resolution allows the port to pursue voluntary negotiations with affected property owners first, but grants authority to use eminent domain (condemnation) if those negotiations fail. Funding for the acquisitions is drawn from the Airport Development Fund.