TagSAMP(642)

The SeaTac City Council is considering an ordinance to hire outside legal counsel and update a cost-sharing agreement with the cities of Burien, Normandy Park, and Des Moines to challenge or engage with the FAA's environmental review of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport expansion plans. The four cities would jointly retain two law firms—Leech Tishman for federal NEPA matters and Ogden Murphy Wallace for state SEPA matters—at an estimated cost of $350,000, with SeaTac covering roughly 26% and recovering the rest from its partner cities. The effort is driven by the FAA's September 2025 issuance of a Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, which must be challenged by November 25, 2025.

The Des Moines, Washington Airport Advisory Committee met on October 13, 2025, to discuss matters related to the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) and noise-related community concerns, including a review of citizens' complaints received over the prior month. The committee voted unanimously to recommend adding legal services to an existing Interlocal Agreement related to airport planning, and reappointed Joe Dusenbury as the city's representative to the StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) noise oversight body. The November 10, 2025 follow-up meeting agenda includes a Q&A session, further StART and SAMP updates, and continued review of community complaints and communications.

The cities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and SeaTac are proposing a formal Interlocal Agreement to coordinate their response to the Port of Seattle's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), which could bring significant growth and environmental impacts to surrounding communities over the next 20 years. Under the agreement, the four cities would jointly hire consultants and legal counsel to review environmental documents, submit formal comments during the SEPA and NEPA review processes, and potentially mount legal challenges to FAA or Port decisions. Burien's share of costs is estimated at approximately $100,000.

This is an agenda for a Burien City Council Regular Meeting scheduled for November 3, 2025, covering local municipal business such as a public hearing on the 2026 Mid-Biennium Budget Update, approval of vouchers and meeting minutes, and a proposed tax assessment settlement agreement. The meeting was held both in person at Burien City Hall and virtually via Zoom, with public comment and language access provisions available. Note: this document does not contain content specifically related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

Port of Seattle presentation updating on the FAA’s completion of NEPA Environmental Assessment for 31 proposed SAMP projects, finding no significant environmental impact. Covers regional growth driving air travel demand, project details, and next steps including Port-led environmental review and public engagement.

The Des Moines City Council Airport Advisory Committee met on September 8, 2025, discussing community outreach survey options, a update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) presented at a recent City Council meeting, and an update on the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a body focused on Sea-Tac Airport noise and related policy issues. The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes in a 3-0 vote. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for October 13, 2025, with agenda items including a StART representative appointment, citizens' complaints, and further SAMP updates.