TagSouth King County Fund(43)

In November 2018, the Port of Seattle Commission set aside $10 million over five years (2019–2023) to benefit near-airport communities in South King County, with funds intended to address airport noise and support environmental health and sustainability projects. In June 2019, the Commission adopted eight guiding principles to govern the fund, emphasizing community input, equity, innovation, and matching funds where possible. This May 2020 presentation to the Highline Forum provided an update on the fund's progress and priorities.

In April 2020, the Port of Seattle Commission voted to expand the allowable uses of the South King County Fund — originally created to address Sea-Tac Airport noise and environmental concerns — to include economic development activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund, capped at $10 million, can now support efforts such as workforce training, small business assistance, and job retention for communities near the airport. The original environmental and noise-mitigation projects previously funded remain eligible, and equity principles continue to guide how the money is distributed.

In November 2019, the Port of Seattle Commission approved Motion 2019-14, directing the purchase of up to five portable noise monitors to measure airplane noise in areas not currently covered by existing monitoring systems, with data made publicly accessible and at least one monitor placed on Vashon Island. The motion also authorized negotiating an agreement to advance the Miller Creek Culvert Replacement, Fish Passage and Stream Restoration Project near Des Moines Memorial Drive to improve water quality and fish habitat near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Both projects were identified as community-supported priorities under the South King County Fund initiative.

The Highline Forum held a meeting on September 25, 2019, hosted by the City of Tukwila, focusing on StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) updates and community fund programs affecting South King County residents living near Sea-Tac Airport. Key agenda items included a StART update from Port of Seattle Aviation Director Lance Lyttle, along with updates on the South King County Fund and the ACE Fund presented by Port of Seattle Environmental Engagement Program Manager Andy Gregory. The next meeting was scheduled for November 20, 2019, at Des Moines Beach Park Dining Hall.

This document contains the agenda and draft minutes for a joint meeting of the Burien Airport Committee and Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee held on September 17, 2019, focused on issues related to Sea-Tac Airport. Key topics included next steps with the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a potential joint funding request to the Port of Seattle-South King County Fund, and state and federal legislative priorities around airport noise and community health impacts. The attached July 30, 2019 draft minutes also reference letters to Senator Keiser and Congresswoman Jayapal regarding FAA concerns and a $125,000 state-funded community health impact study.

This document contains the agenda and draft minutes for a joint meeting of the Burien Airport Committee and Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee held on September 17, 2019, focused on Sea-Tac Airport noise and policy issues. Key topics included next steps with the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a potential joint funding request to the Port of Seattle-South King County Fund, and state and federal legislative priorities related to the airport. The accompanying July 30, 2019 draft minutes reflect prior discussions on letters to Senator Keiser and Congresswoman Jayapal regarding FAA concerns, as well as ongoing review of Part 150 noise mitigation options.

The Highline Forum held a public meeting on July 31, 2019, at Highline College in Des Moines, Washington, focusing on the FAA Part 150 Aviation Noise Program and the South King County Fund, both related to managing aircraft noise impacts around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Port of Seattle staff presented updates on community engagement, environmental funding, and noise mitigation efforts, with additional time for public comment and discussion of emerging issues. The forum also announced two upcoming 2019 meetings scheduled for September 25 in Tukwila and November 20 in Des Moines.

The Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) met on June 26, 2019 to discuss aircraft noise and emissions research presented by FAA officials, including studies on sleep disturbance, cardiovascular health, and alternative jet fuels. The meeting also covered updates from the Aviation Noise and Federal Policy Working Groups, and introduced the Port of Seattle's new South King County Fund, which will provide $10 million over five years for community projects addressing noise, environmental health, and sustainability.