TagSB5955(31)

This is a fiscal note summary for Washington State Senate Bill 5955, which concerns large port districts. The document estimates operating expenditures primarily from the Department of Commerce, ranging from approximately $113,104 in the 2023-25 biennium to $114,136 in subsequent biennia, along with capital budget costs starting at $86,586. The Office of State Treasurer notes non-zero but indeterminate cash receipt impacts, while other agencies such as the Department of Revenue and Department of Ecology report no fiscal impact.

Sharyn Parker, a retired Noise Officer and Sound Insulation Program Manager at King County International Airport, submitted public comments in February 2024 supporting Washington State bill ESSB 5955, which aims to address longstanding sound insulation repair and replacement issues for homeowners near Sea-Tac Airport. Parker, who managed Boeing Field's Sound Insulation Program from 2009 to 2015, raised concerns about unrealistic timelines, FAA funding eligibility, and the Port of Seattle's early program mismanagement, noting that some homeowners have waited nearly three decades for remediation of defective window installations. She urged legislators to pass the bill and called on the Port to improve contractor oversight, translation services, and public outreach for affected residents.

This Washington State Senate amendment to P2SSB 5955, introduced by Senator Robinson through the Committee on Ways & Means, removes an appropriation provision from the bill by striking Section 7 and updating the bill's title language accordingly. The amendment eliminates any dedicated funding allocation that was previously included in the legislation, leaving the bill to create a new section without an attached appropriation.

This Washington State Senate amendment (S-4747.1/24), sponsored by Senator Keiser, modifies legislation related to airport noise mitigation programs administered by port districts. It expands the types of professionals that port districts—such as the Port of Seattle—can hire to inspect sound mitigation equipment, replacing the requirement for a 'state certified building inspector' with the broader option of building inspectors or other professionals experienced in sound testing or window and door installations. The amendment also allows port districts to enter into interlocal agreements with their host counties to contract for such inspection services, and makes technical language changes to the bill's intent section.

Washington Senate Bill 5955 proposes creating a 'port district equity fund' to help large port districts—such as the one operating Sea-Tac Airport—pay for aircraft noise mitigation programs. The fund would be seeded with a $10 million appropriation for fiscal year 2025 and subsequently replenished by sales and use tax revenue collected on capital construction projects at the airport, with the port district required to match at least half of state-provided funds. The Department of Commerce would administer grants from the fund to cover costs such as inspecting and repairing soundproofing equipment in nearby homes and addressing any structural damage caused by its installation.