TagStART(508)

The Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee met on March 12, 2018 to discuss concerns about Sea-Tac Airport's Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), including the city's decision to commit $50,000 to join an interlocal environmental review agreement with neighboring cities. The committee also reviewed the first meeting of the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), with representatives expressing cautious optimism about its future value, and began preparing materials on noise and health issues for an upcoming City Council study session. A Federal Way resident also addressed the committee, urging Des Moines to encourage Federal Way to take a more active role in addressing airport noise impacts.

The Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) held its kick-off meeting on February 28, 2018, bringing together representatives from six neighboring communities, two airlines, the FAA, and the Port of Seattle to improve cooperation and transparency around airport operations. The first meeting focused on how the airport is governed and operates, and participants identified a need for clearer understanding of roles, decision-making authority, and how communities can influence airport air and ground operations decisions. The next meeting was scheduled for April 25, 2018, and is open to the public.

The Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) held its first meeting on February 28, 2018, bringing together representatives from six neighboring communities, two airlines, the FAA, and the Port of Seattle to improve communication and cooperation around airport operations. The kick-off meeting focused on how the airport is governed and operated, and stakeholders discussed potential topics for future meetings, including understanding decision-making authority over air and ground operations. The next public meeting was scheduled for April 25, 2018, at the Conference Center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

This February 28, 2018 presentation by Aviation Director Lance Lyttle was delivered to the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), a community engagement body focused on airport-related issues including noise. The presentation covers an overview of the Port of Seattle's organizational structure — governed by five elected King County commissioners and led by an Executive Director overseeing Aviation, Maritime, Economic Development, and Capital Development divisions — as well as a review of Sea-Tac Airport's current operations and future plans.

The Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee met on February 12, 2018 to discuss Sea-Tac Airport's 25-year growth plan (the Sustainable Airport Master Plan) and a proposed agreement between neighboring cities to jointly fund an independent environmental review of that plan. The committee also reviewed a resolution on long-term aviation capacity needs in Western Washington and planned to participate in a March 1 City Council study session covering topics such as the siting of a second airport, the roles of various regulatory bodies, and strategies for influencing the FAA and Port of Seattle. Additional items included updates on a state-funded airport impact study, the formation of a new Sea-Tac Airport Stakeholders Advisory Round Table, and community concerns about aircraft noise and its effects on property values.

The Des Moines Aviation Advisory Committee met on December 5, 2017 to discuss key issues related to Sea-Tac Airport, including the formation of the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Roundtable (StART) and an 18-month air quality study being conducted by the University of Washington to examine the effects of ultra-fine particles from jet exhaust on surrounding communities. The committee also reviewed the environmental review process for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), noting concerns that the Port of Seattle may pursue a less rigorous Environmental Assessment rather than a full Environmental Impact Statement. Community members raised additional concerns about nighttime flights, air cargo operations, and the Port potentially bypassing SEPA/NEPA requirements through piecemeal project approvals.

Resolution No. 2943 was adopted by the Port of Seattle's Port Commission to update the Noise Remedy Program for Sea-Tac International Airport, replacing the earlier noise remedy element from the 1976 Sea-Tac Communities Plan. The resolution outlines a structured approach to reducing noise impacts on surrounding communities, including property acquisition in high-noise areas, noise abatement measures, and a Demonstration Project—budgeted at up to one million dollars—to test additional remedies such as noise insulation and transaction assistance for affected homeowners. Annual progress reports and priority consideration for hardship cases and long-term residents are also required under the program.