TagWashington State Legislature(117)

In 2005, Washington State passed ESSB 5121, directing the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to conduct a multi-phase statewide air transportation capacity study covering both commercial and general aviation airports. The study required an assessment of existing airport facilities and capacity (Phase 1, due July 2006), followed by a 25-year demand and market forecast analysis with focused attention on the Puget Sound region (Phase 2, due July 2007). A 10-member Governor-appointed aviation planning council would then review the findings and make recommendations on how to meet the state's long-term aviation capacity needs, including identifying sites for future airport facilities.

This draft project schedule outlines the planned timeline for Phase I of Washington State's airport facility, air cargo, passenger, and airspace capacity assessment under ESSB 5121, running from May 2005 through August 2006. Key milestones include advertising for a consultant, developing a detailed scope of work, securing an FAA grant, and completing a final Phase I report by July 1, 2006. WSDOT Aviation was responsible for submitting the findings to legislative committees, the governor, transportation commission, and regional planning organizations.

A March 28, 2001 letter from the Washington State Department of Ecology clarifies that lands classified as 'prior converted croplands' by the US Army Corps of Engineers are still subject to state wetland regulations if they meet the criteria outlined in the 1996 Washington State Wetland Delineation and Identification Manual. While the federal Food Security Act may exempt such lands from Clean Water Act Section 404 requirements, this exemption does not extend to state law. As a result, some wetlands may be free from federal oversight but remain fully regulated under Washington State rules.

In a June 1998 letter to a Seattle Times reporter, Washington State legislators Karen Keiser and Julia Patterson urged media coverage of the Port of Seattle's violations of federal grant rules governing its noise remedy programs near Sea-Tac Airport. The State Auditor's Office confirmed the Port failed to obtain required written support from surrounding local jurisdictions, while auditors at Deloitte and Touche had repeatedly flagged the same violations without the Port taking corrective action. Over $130 million in federal funds had already been spent insulating and assisting homeowners, with an additional $11 million needed to redo 1,141 homes due to building-code violations that local consultation might have prevented.

This is Washington State's 1995-1997 Operating Budget (Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1410), passed by the state legislature on May 24, 1995, and signed by Governor Mike Lowry on June 16, 1995, with partial vetoes. The bill appropriates funding for state agency operations during the fiscal biennium from July 1, 1995, through June 30, 1997. Note: This document does not appear to contain content directly related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

Washington House Bill 1293 (1995) amended state law governing how port districts can address aircraft noise impacts on nearby properties, expanding soundproofing programs and removing a prior requirement that property owners waive damages and convey easements in exchange for noise mitigation. The bill declared such damage-waiver agreements void as against public policy, meaning residents near airports like Sea-Tac could receive soundproofing benefits without giving up their legal rights. The act was designated an emergency measure, intended to take effect immediately upon passage.

Washington State House Bill 636, passed by the House on February 21, 1979, and the Senate on March 2, 1979, amends state law relating to aircraft noise abatement near airports. The bill expands the geographic boundaries of 'impacted areas' around runways and prohibits port districts from undertaking noise abatement programs for property owners who have already been relocated under the same chapter. It was introduced by Representatives Charnley, Barnes, and Rohrbach during the 46th Legislature's Regular Session.

House Bill 1191, introduced in Washington State's 46th Legislature in 1979, proposed changes to how Port of Seattle commissioners are elected. The bill would put before voters a measure to elect three port commissioners from geographic commissioner districts and two additional commissioners chosen at large from the port district as a whole. It also established that in class AA counties with nine councilmanic districts, like Seattle, there would be three port commissioner districts each containing three councilmanic districts.

Washington State Senate Bill 3076, introduced in 1979, proposed the creation of a State Port Commission to financially assist and coordinate port districts across Washington. The three-member commission, appointed by the governor with senate approval, would serve six-year terms and be tasked with promoting domestic and foreign trade, eliminating wasteful competition, and supporting port facility development. Note: This bill pertains to port district governance and commerce, and does not directly address Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

Washington State House Bill 1191, introduced in 1979, amends laws governing port district commissioners in the state, covering how candidates file for office and how commissioner positions are numbered and assigned. The bill updates rules for port districts in Class AA counties, including provisions for expanding commissions from three to five members, with some commissioners elected by district and others chosen at large. While this bill governs port district governance structure, it does not directly address airport noise policy.