TagStephen Metruck(73)

In a September 12, 2019 letter to Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck, Des Moines Mayor Matt Pina outlines the city's concerns about Sea-Tac Airport's decision to allocate $10 million for Sustainable Airport Master Plan design work without environmental review or stakeholder notice, which prompted Des Moines to temporarily suspend its participation in the StART Committee. The letter demands specific, verifiable data on six noise-mitigation measures the Port claimed to have accomplished, including late-night flight reductions, runway glide slope adjustments, and third-runway usage limits, arguing these initiatives have been overstated as completed achievements. While expressing willingness to re-engage and noting several positive Port-city partnerships, Des Moines calls for greater transparency and accountability in the airport's community engagement process.

In August 2019, the City of Burien sent a formal letter to the Port of Seattle's Executive Director and Commissioners raising nine pointed questions about Sea-Tac Airport's noise policies and community health impacts. The city challenged the Port's failure to conduct updated noise studies across all runways since 2002, slow implementation of sound insulation programs, and lack of transparency in the StART community committee process. Burien concluded by calling for an honest public dialogue about whether continued airport growth is sustainable given the environmental and quality-of-life consequences for neighboring residents.