TagWSDOT(123)

The Washington State Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission's 2022 report to the Legislature identifies six existing airports — including Paine Field, Bremerton National, and Tacoma Narrows — as candidates for expanded aviation capacity, while also exploring potential greenfield sites for a new airport. The report summarizes public input showing that a majority of respondents support building new aviation capacity despite environmental costs, and outlines the Commission's guiding principles of public benefit, economic feasibility, environmental responsibility, and social equity. The Commission's final recommendations are expected by February 15, 2023.

The Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission met in January 2022 to discuss potential airport expansion sites in the Washington State region, including updates on a short list of six airports being considered for additional commercial, cargo, and general aviation capacity. The Commission voted to update its decision-making charter language regarding quorums and voting procedures, and reviewed public concerns about noise and community impact, particularly around Tacoma Narrows Airport. No new greenfield airport sites were added to the list, though the Commission acknowledged that additional sites may eventually be needed to meet future aviation demand.

This WSDOT Puget Sound Gateway Program document presents preliminary design plans for a new SR 509 expressway segment running from 24th Ave S to S 188th St through the Blueberry Lane neighborhood, spanning the cities of Des Moines and SeaTac. The plans show proposed roadway construction, stormwater treatment ponds, wetland areas, and several buildings and roads slated for demolition to accommodate the new highway alignment. Cross-sectional diagrams illustrate the elevation changes and right-of-way boundaries relative to existing neighborhoods, trails, and local streets.

A November 2021 WSDOT presentation outlines the SR 509 Completion Project, part of the broader Puget Sound Gateway Program, which aims to build new highway connections linking the region's ports and distribution centers between 2020 and 2028. The project includes several construction stages covering new expressway segments, interchange improvements at I-5/SR 516, and a Lake to Sound Trail component in the area south of Seattle near Sea-Tac Airport.

This WSDOT discussion document from November 2021 shows a planning map for the SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway Program's new expressway project, spanning from 24th Ave S to S 188th St near Des Moines Creek Park in the City of SeaTac. The map highlights the proposed highway alignment (shown in red) running adjacent to Des Moines Creek Trail Park, identifying wetland areas, contour elevations, and nearby features such as an Amazon warehouse and the Lake to Sound Trail. The project represents a major infrastructure expansion in the SeaTac area that would affect the Des Moines Creek Park corridor and surrounding natural resources.

In February 2021, the Port of Seattle Commission was asked to authorize the purchase of a 14.3-acre strip of former SR-509 highway right-of-way from WSDOT for approximately $3.15 million. The land, located in Des Moines, WA adjacent to the Port's Des Moines Creek West property, was intended to support development near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The acquisition aimed to consolidate Port-controlled land in an industrial corridor close to the airport's flight path.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) presented the Puget Sound Gateway Program to the Highline Forum in November 2020, outlining plans to complete SR 509 in King County and SR 167 in Pierce County. The SR 509 project includes creating a new south access point to Sea-Tac Airport, improving freight connections to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, and reducing congestion on local roads. The program also proposes tolling as a tool for sustainable congestion management.

The City of SeaTac has been working since 2018 to acquire approximately 8 acres of surplus forested land from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) adjacent to Des Moines Creek Park. The acquisition aims to expand open space, improve trail access, and preserve a conservation area along one of the city's salmon-bearing streams. As of October 2020, the city had secured $2.29 million in grant funding for the purchase, with an additional $1 million under consideration in the 2021-2022 budget process.