TagPSRC(155)

In March 1996, an Expert Arbitration Panel reviewed whether the Port of Seattle had met noise reduction requirements set by the Puget Sound Regional Council as a condition for approving a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. A majority of the Panel concluded that, despite the Port's extensive noise abatement programs, it had not demonstrated a sufficient reduction in real, on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy Resolution A-93-03. This decision left the noise condition as the sole remaining hurdle for authorizing the third runway's construction.

In October 1994, the Puget Sound Regional Council's Executive Board formally approved moving forward with a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, concluding that no feasible sites existed for a supplemental airport in the four-county region. The resolution affirmed that the third runway would meet regional air capacity needs through 2030, provided it satisfied noise and demand management conditions and passed environmental review. The Board also recommended that the State develop legislation to compensate communities impacted by essential public facilities and explore long-term transportation alternatives, including high-speed rail.

This 1980 draft report, produced by the Puget Sound Council of Governments, outlines a Regional Airport System Plan for the Central Puget Sound area covering the years 1980 to 2000. Funded by the Port of Seattle, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Federal Aviation Administration, the plan was developed to guide regional aviation policy and infrastructure decisions across King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties. It was prepared for review by the Standing Committee on Transportation and represents an early framework for managing air travel demand and airport development in the greater Seattle region.