TagPuget Sound Regional Council(175)

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

Declaration of Robert Olander, City Manager of Des Moines, filed in PCHB Case Nos. 01-133 and 01-160 before the Pollution Control Hearings Board for the State of Washington. Filed in support of Airport Communities Coalition’s (ACC) motion for stay of Ecology’s Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification No. 1996-4-02325 (Amended-1) and CZMA concurrency statement issued