TagRCW(57)

Washington State Senate Bill 3076, introduced in 1979, proposed the creation of a State Port Commission to financially assist and coordinate port districts across Washington. The three-member commission, appointed by the governor with senate approval, would serve six-year terms and be tasked with promoting domestic and foreign trade, eliminating wasteful competition, and supporting port facility development. Note: This bill pertains to port district governance and commerce, and does not directly address Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

Washington State House Bill 1191, introduced in 1979, amends laws governing port district commissioners in the state, covering how candidates file for office and how commissioner positions are numbered and assigned. The bill updates rules for port districts in Class AA counties, including provisions for expanding commissions from three to five members, with some commissioners elected by district and others chosen at large. While this bill governs port district governance structure, it does not directly address airport noise policy.

A January 1979 legislative memorandum from research analyst Jay Holman to Washington state representatives proposes amendments to port district governance laws, including allowing voters to split port districts into separate functional entities and modify how port commissioners are elected. A follow-up note from January 31, 1979 refines the proposal, suggesting that five port commissioners be retained but that three be elected from newly formed sub-districts and two chosen at-large, with changes to take effect at the November 1979 general election.

A 1974 Washington State law (Chapter 121, House Bill 1328) authorizes port districts operating busy airports to take action against jet aircraft noise affecting nearby communities. Programs available include buying affected properties, soundproofing structures, and providing mortgage insurance to residents who cannot obtain it due to noise impact — all within defined geographic boundaries around runways. Funding may come from federal grants, airport revenues, and general obligation bonds up to one-eighth of one percent of taxable property value in the port district.

Engrossed House Bill No. 97, introduced in Washington State's 43rd Legislature in January 1973, establishes the right of property owners to seek compensation in inverse condemnation actions when their property value is diminished due to highway, aviation, or airport operations. Qualifying impacts include noise, vibrations, air pollution, water pollution, loss of view or scenery, and risk to life from nearby traffic. The bill also limits recovery to properties within one-quarter mile of a highway right-of-way or within one hundred yards of an airport facility, and requires actions to be filed within three years of the alleged taking or damaging.