TagStART(502)

A Port of Seattle presentation examines how the November 2024 elections, which resulted in full Republican control of the White House, Senate, and House, may affect key aviation policy priorities including aircraft noise insulation funding, the FAA Noise Policy Review, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel incentives. While programs like the FAA's Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee are expected to continue, staff transitions and a preference for budget cuts could slow progress. Funding for noise-related and environmental programs faces uncertainty as many Inflation Reduction Act provisions may be rolled back under the new administration.

The SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) held a meeting on December 18, 2024, focused on two main topics: how recent state and federal elections may affect StART's policy agendas, and an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) process. The agenda also included an Aviation Noise Working Group update and a public comment period. The next tentative meeting was scheduled for February 26, 2025, via Zoom.

The Burien Airport Committee held a meeting on December 17, 2024, to discuss topics related to Sea-Tac Airport noise and expansion policy, including a wrap-up of public comments on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), a possible multi-city response to the SAMP, and potential state-level mitigation legislation. The committee also considered expanding its membership from five to seven members and reviewed a StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) committee update. Members of the public were invited to participate in person at Burien City Hall, via Zoom, or by submitting written comments in advance.

The Highline Forum meeting on November 20, 2024, hosted by the City of SeaTac, covered two main themes: childcare initiatives in the Highline area and an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Environmental Assessment. Representatives from SeaTac, Highline Public Schools, the City of Burien, and Highline College participated in the childcare discussion, while Port of Seattle staff presented on the SAMP and StART programs. The document also includes the schedule of six bimonthly Highline Forum meetings planned for 2025, running from January through November.