TagStART(441)

The December 8, 2021 StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting covered three main topics: a University of Washington study finding that HEPA filters significantly reduce outdoor air pollution infiltration in schools near Sea-Tac Airport (from ~50% to ~10%), a briefing on the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and its potential $240 million in direct funding for Sea-Tac, and an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) targeting an early 2022 environmental review publication. The meeting also included public comments and acknowledgment of departing StART members from Normandy Park, Burien, and Tukwila.

This December 2021 briefing from the Port of Seattle outlines how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021, allocates $1.2 trillion in infrastructure funding across various sectors. For ports and aviation specifically, the law provides $20 billion for airports, $5 billion for FAA facilities and equipment, and $5.225 billion for seaports, among other transportation investments. The briefing was prepared to inform the StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) committee about funding opportunities relevant to port and community priorities.

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on December 8, 2021 via Zoom covered two main topics: an update on the School Resilience to Air Pollution Study presented by Dr. Elena Austin of the University of Washington, and a briefing on the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act by Port of Seattle federal relations staff. Additional agenda items included a SAMP update and public comment, with the next meeting scheduled for February 23, 2022.

A University of Washington research team conducted the 'Healthy Schools, Healthy Air' study (March–August 2021), funded by five cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, to measure how well school ventilation systems protect students from ultrafine particles generated by aircraft, traffic, and wildfire smoke. Researchers assessed indoor and outdoor air quality at five schools selected based on their age, ventilation type, and proximity to flight paths. The project concluded with a final report in December 2021 offering findings on filtration interventions, including portable HEPA air cleaners, intended to inform schools, districts, and state legislators on improving indoor air quality.

The Highline Forum held a virtual meeting on November 17, 2021, hosted by the City of SeaTac, covering transportation updates including WSDOT's SR 509 project, Sound Transit developments, and a StART (Sea-Tac Airport Roundtable) update from the Port of Seattle's Aviation Director. The meeting was conducted via Microsoft Teams with no physical location, and public comments were accepted by email or through the online platform. The agenda also included planning for six bimonthly Highline Forum meetings scheduled throughout 2022, running from January through November.

The Burien Airport Committee met on October 19, 2021 and November 16, 2021 to discuss airport noise-related issues affecting the community near Sea-Tac Airport. Key topics included a review of Burien's 2022 Federal Legislative Priorities supporting bills HR 6038 and HR 4068 aimed at reducing airport noise and particle emissions, along with a presentation by the Port of Seattle on its Noise Insulation Program. The committee also discussed community planning efforts for the Boulevard Park and Ambaum Corridor areas and received updates on the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART).

This document summarizes a October 27, 2021 StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting where U.S. Representative Adam Smith, Port of Seattle officials, and community members discussed reducing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's noise and pollution impacts on neighboring communities. Key topics included a progress report on a Ground Noise Study measuring sound levels at seven locations around the airport, an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), and legislative efforts around noise mitigation funding and FAA accountability. Representatives also discussed long-term strategies such as high-speed rail, a second commercial airport, and alternative aviation fuels to reduce the airport's overall community impact.

The StART (SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table) meeting held on October 27, 2021 brought together Port of Seattle officials, U.S. Representative Adam Smith, and community stakeholders via Zoom to discuss airport-related issues affecting neighborhoods around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key topics included a federal policy update, a progress report on the Ground Noise Study, an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), and reviews of both the Federal Policy Working Group and Aviation Noise Working Group activities. The meeting also included a public comment period, with the next session tentatively scheduled for December 8, 2021.

The Burien Airport Committee held meetings in September and October 2021 to discuss issues related to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, including a review of Burien's 2022 federal legislative priorities, an update on the Port of Seattle's delayed Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), and the appointment of Deputy Mayor Krystal Marx to King County's Joint Aircraft Emissions Technical and Community Task Force. The committee also received a presentation on Burien zoning and land use near the airport, covering the Northeast Redevelopment Area, and planned future discussions on noise insulation programs and community corridor plans.

The StART Federal Policy Working Group met on October 18, 2021, to review federal legislative updates affecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and surrounding communities, including the status of the Infrastructure Bill and Build Back Better Act, with a focus on environmental priorities such as air quality and noise mitigation. The group also discussed the upcoming reopening of the U.S. to fully vaccinated international travelers on November 8, 2021, which was expected to increase international flights at SEA, and the approaching 2023 FAA Reauthorization as a key opportunity to advocate for community priorities. Members prepared questions for U.S. Representative Adam Smith's presentation at the next StART meeting, covering topics such as the Airport Communities Act, home noise mitigation, and secondary noise insulation.