TagSB5955(65)

Washington State Bill E2SSB 5955 creates a grant program, running through July 1, 2029, managed by the Department of Commerce to help port districts — primarily the Port of Seattle, which operates Sea-Tac Airport — repair or replace faulty noise mitigation equipment installed in nearby homes, and to fix any structural damage caused by that equipment. The program is funded through a new 'port district equity fund' drawing from legislative appropriations, local government contributions, and private donations. An independent review by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee is required by July 1, 2028, to assess how many homes have been remediated and how many still need attention.

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.