TagSea-Tac Airport(2010)

In December 1983, the FAA completed an aeronautical study of a proposal by the Port of Seattle to eliminate the 'right-turn' departure route for eastbound turbojet aircraft leaving Sea-Tac Airport (Runway 34) during daytime hours. The study found that removing this route would simply shift aircraft noise to other communities, increase airline operating costs by an estimated $1.5 million annually, and raise fuel consumption, without providing a net noise reduction benefit. As a result, the Port of Seattle withdrew its proposal and the FAA declined to eliminate the existing noise abatement route.

In a November 1983 letter to the FAA's Northwest Mountain Region Director, Port of Seattle Executive Director Richard D. Ford requested clarification on federal funding eligibility for a purchase assurance program under Henry M. Jackson International Airport's Noise Remedy Program. The Port sought guidance on several key issues, including the level of federal financial assistance available, which types of residential properties and program costs would qualify, and compliance requirements with federal relocation law. The letter noted that while outright property acquisitions had consumed most available noise remedy funds to date, the Port was now ready to consider a purchase assurance program for less noise-impacted areas if additional federal funding could be secured.

This November 1983 document outlines the Master Plan Update for Jackson International Airport (Sea-Tac), prepared by Peat Marwick and TRA for the Port of Seattle. It presents a nine-month project schedule covering 13 elements—ranging from study design and passenger surveys to alternative layout plans and a financial development schedule—along with a project organization chart showing the Port of Seattle's steering committee and staff alongside federal and consulting partners.

Minutes from the September 28, 1983 Policy Advisory Committee meeting at Sea-Tac Airport cover updates on noise reduction efforts, including new aircraft departure procedures, expanded noise monitoring stations, and a study on noise insulation and building codes. The committee also reviewed the 20-year Airport Master Plan, which will identify surplus Port-owned land that could be repurposed for commercial development or parks, and received updates on facilities improvements such as a new taxi holding area, completed runway safety zones, and the expanded South Satellite International Terminal.

In May 1983, the Port of Seattle held three community workshops to gather resident input on noise remedies for Sea-Tac International Airport, drawing over 120 attendees from surrounding neighborhoods. Common concerns included faster program implementation, expanded land acquisition boundaries, stricter FAA noise abatement procedures, and a preference for quieter aircraft. The feedback was compiled into a summary forwarded to decision-makers in agencies and local governments with the authority to implement future noise remedies.

This is the agenda for the Port of Seattle Commission Regular Meeting held on May 24, 1983, covering a range of business items related to Sea-Tac International Airport and port terminals. Airport-related items include a contract award for a Satellite Transit System Electrical System Upgrade, lease negotiations with the Greater Highline Community Parks Board for facilities at the North Sea-Tac Park, and lease agreements with several companies operating at Sea-Tac. A Staff Review Session on Terminal 91 Redevelopment, including public comment and Commission discussion, was also scheduled.

In this April 26, 1983 letter to the Port of Seattle Commissioners, resident Virginia E. Dare urges the commission to honor its commitment to 'maximum compatibility' between Sea-Tac Airport and surrounding neighborhoods, as originally promised under the Sea-Tac Community Plan (STCP) launched in 1972. The letter emphasizes that community members were guaranteed a direct, ongoing role in planning decisions—including noise mitigation, land acquisition, and density guidelines—through a formal Community Involvement Program. The author calls on commissioners to uphold that process as they enter a new noise remedy program update that will reassess FAA density guidelines affecting nearby residents.

A February 1983 newsletter from the SeaTac Threat Group details community efforts to fight noise and air pollution from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including presentations on noise health impacts and four potential legal remedies such as reverse condemnation and nuisance suits. The group reached a consensus that legal action was the best way to pressure the Port of Seattle (POS) to address the airport's noise pollution, and members were encouraged to attend upcoming meetings with attorney Mary Ruth Mann to discuss terms and fees. The newsletter also highlights concerns about FAA safety density guidelines being overturned and urges residents with political influence to take action.