TagPuget Sound Regional Council(191)

The Puget Sound Regional Council's 2008 Annual Report outlines the organization's regional planning efforts, including transportation funding, growth management, and housing initiatives across the greater Seattle-Tacoma area. The report highlights $214 million in approved federal transportation funding and the adoption of the VISION 2040 growth strategy, aimed at supporting long-term regional development. Note: this document does not contain specific content related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

The VISION 2040 Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement, published by the Puget Sound Regional Council in July 2007, identifies a Preferred Growth Alternative for managing forecasted population and development growth in the Puget Sound region through the year 2040. It supplements a May 2006 Draft EIS that examined four conceptual growth alternatives, adding analysis of environmental impacts associated with the preferred option. The document was prepared in accordance with Washington State's Environmental Policy Act and invites public comment on regional growth planning policies.

This document traces the history of commercial airport capacity and noise policy decisions in the Central Puget Sound region from 1973 to 2006, focusing on Sea-Tac Airport. It covers key milestones such as the Port of Seattle's various noise mitigation programs, agreements with the Highline School District, and debates over building a third runway and expanding Boeing Field. The chronology highlights the ongoing tension between meeting growing air travel demand and addressing the noise impacts on surrounding communities and schools.

In December 2004, the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Executive Board adopted Resolution EB-04-01, calling on the State of Washington to take the lead in planning for the region's long-term commercial air transportation capacity, including exploring high-speed rail alternatives. The resolution acknowledged that a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was under construction and would be operational by 2008, but that no additional runway was planned beyond that. PSRC committed to cooperating with state agencies, the FAA, and the Port of Seattle to assess future airport capacity needs and coordinate planning with existing regional and statewide transportation plans.

The NEST Study, published in December 2004, examined eight underutilized properties near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to assess their potential for future economic development. Commissioned by a partnership of the Cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac along with the Port of Seattle, the study analyzed market conditions, infrastructure needs, financial feasibility, and appropriate land uses for each property. The findings, funded by a $96,900 federal grant, provided conceptual development plans and job creation estimates aimed at spurring economic growth in South King County communities surrounding the airport.

The NEST (New Economic Strategic Triangle) Study, completed in November 2004, examines development opportunities on properties surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport within the cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac. Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the study identifies target industries, assesses highest and best use for each property, and provides strategic recommendations to guide economic growth in the airport region. The report was produced through a partnership of local governments and the Port of Seattle, with support from a team of real estate, engineering, and planning consultants.

A 2003 newsletter from the Regional Commission on Airport Affairs (RCAA) criticizes the Port of Seattle for claiming credit on aircraft noise reduction at Sea-Tac Airport without actually implementing the key recommendations—such as building a hush house for engine run-up noise—that its own Part 150 community committee proposed. The newsletter also highlights the Port's contradictory positions, including claiming the Third Runway would boost economic capacity while simultaneously arguing it would add no new flights and therefore require no noise mitigation. Critics argue these tactics allowed the Port to satisfy regional planning requirements on paper while avoiding real environmental costs.

Port Of Seattle Commission Resolution No. 3212, As Amended, adopting the Airport Master Plan Update for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA), approving development of a new 8500-foot dependent air carrier runway with centerline located no further than 2500 feet west of runway 16L/34R, and committing to additional noise reduction measures per Puget Sound Regional Council Resolution

Port of Seattle Port Submittals Binder (AR 035023), containing a King County Superior Court Memorandum Ruling on Application of RCW 47.80.23(2) in case No. 96-2-20357-2 KNT, City of Des Moines et al. (plaintiffs) v. The Puget Sound Regional Council et al. (defendants). The ruling addresses obligations of a regional body (PSRC) when approving a major