TagSB5955(61)

This is a fiscal note summary for Washington State House Bill 2103, concerning large port districts. It estimates that local governments would face operating expenditures of approximately $100.5 million per biennium across 2023-29, along with declining cash receipt reductions to local governments ranging from $867,000 in 2023-25 to over $8.5 million in 2027-29. The Office of State Treasurer notes non-zero but indeterminate financial impacts, while the Department of Commerce's fiscal note was not available at the time of the preliminary publication on January 16, 2024.

This is a fiscal note summary for Washington State Senate Bill 5955, which concerns large port districts. The document estimates that local governments could face operating expenditures of $100 million per biennium across multiple budget periods, while also projecting declining cash receipt losses to local governments ranging from approximately $867,000 in 2023-25 to over $8.5 million by 2027-29. The Office of State Treasurer notes non-zero but indeterminate cost impacts, and the Department of Commerce's fiscal note was not available at the time of publication in January 2024.

This document lists sign-ins for a Washington State legislative hearing on SB 5955, a bill concerning large port districts, held in January 2024. The overwhelming majority of participants — including residents, neighborhood groups, and city officials from communities like SeaTac, Des Moines, and Seattle — registered in support of the bill, while only two individuals, representing the Port of Seattle and the Washington Public Ports Association, registered in opposition. The bill and its broad community backing appear to be driven by concerns about airport noise and its impact on neighborhoods surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Washington House Bill 2103 (2024) requires large port districts operating major airports, such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, to dedicate a growing portion of their property tax levy revenue toward programs that reduce noise and air pollution impacts on nearby communities. The bill was prompted by health and equity concerns, as studies show that communities of color living close to Sea-Tac face higher rates of asthma, heart disease, premature births, and other health disparities. Mitigation programs funded under the bill may include repairing failed soundproofing equipment, providing air purifiers, creating urban green spaces, and supporting indoor community facilities in affected neighborhoods.