EDITOR’S NOTE: This post has been updated with additional information about upcoming public meetings and how to view or comment on the SEPA DEIS.
The cities of Burien, Des Moines and SeaTac announced in a joint statement on Thursday, May 21 that the Port of Seattle denied their request for additional time to review the environmental impacts of several proposed Sea-Tac Airport improvement projects.
The three cities had formally requested a 90-day public comment period for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) State Environmental Policy Act Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be released this Friday, May 22.
The request was submitted May 18 and denied by the Port on May 21, according to the City of Burien.
The Port said it currently plans to keep the comment period open for only 60 days.
In their request, the cities said “given the scope, technical complexity, and significant implications of the SAMP, the Cities believe that no less than 90 days will be needed for the Cities to adequately review, digest, and provide thorough and useful comments on the Draft EIS.”
City officials said the draft environmental review will evaluate airport related improvement projects with possible impacts on surface transportation, noise, air quality, land use, public health, construction, stormwater and overall quality of life in surrounding communities.
The cities also cited regional preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ongoing regional planning efforts and unresolved concerns about cumulative airport growth impacts as reasons for requesting a longer review period.
According to the cities, the issues require coordination among multiple jurisdictions and departments, along with consultation from technical experts, legal counsel, elected officials and community members.
The cities reiterated previous concerns about balancing airport operations with impacts on nearby residents.
“While there is a clear need to address increasing efficiency, capacity, and safety of airport operations, the Cities take very seriously the protection of their residents’ health and well being,” the request stated.
Burien, Des Moines and SeaTac said they want the process to be “productive” and “thorough” and urged the Port of Seattle to reconsider granting a 90 day comment period.
Once released, the SEPA Draft EIS will be available online at sea-samp.com, according to the cities. Printed copies will also be available at local libraries. Public comments may be submitted online, by email, by mail or during public meetings listed on the sea-samp.com website.
Public meeting information
| DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, June 22, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Glacier Middle School Entrance lobby/commons 2450 S 142nd St., SeaTac, WA 98168 |
| Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Mount Rainier High School Cafeteria space 22450 19th Ave. S, Des Moines, WA 98198 |
| Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Wildwood Elementary School Multipurpose room 2405 S 300th St., Federal Way, WA 98003 |
| Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Gregory Heights Elementary School Cafeteria and gym 16201 16th Ave. SW, Burien, WA 98166 |
Physical copies of the SEPA DEIS can be viewed at:
- The Conference Center at SEA, 17801 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98158
- Port of Seattle Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
- Burien Library, 400 SW 152nd St., Suite 100, Burien, WA 98166
- Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Ave. S, Des Moines, WA 98198
- Valley View Library, 17850 Military Road S, SeaTac, WA 98188
- Federal Way 320th Library, 848 S 320th St., Federal Way, WA 98003
- White Center Library, 1409 SW 107th St., Seattle, WA 98146
- Tukwila Library, 14380 Tukwila International Blvd., Tukwila, WA 98168
- Vashon Library, 17210 Vashon Hwy. SW, Vashon Island, WA 98070
Additional ways to get involved
- Sign up for the Port’s email newsletter by selecting the Sustainable Airport Master Plan notifications box underneath “Environment and Sustainability News”
- Submit a public comment online through the SEA SAMP website or by sending an email to samp@portseattle.org.
- Submit a public comment by mail:
Mr. Steve Rybolt
Port of Seattle, Aviation Environment and Sustainability
P.O. Box 68727, Seattle, WA 98168
Related Links:
- https://www.burienwa.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_11045935/File/News_Events/News_Announcements/2026-05-18-90-Day-SAMP-SEPA-DEIS-Comment-Period-Request.pdf (PDF download)
- Sustainable Airport Master Plan Environmental Review for Near-Term Projects Webpage (Port of Seattle)
- Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac File Joint Petition for Review of FAA Decision (Dec. 9, 2025)
HISTORY REPEATS…. What the Port wants, – the Port gets.
Typical for the Port of Seattle who continues to snub their nose REGARDLESS of what is best for neighboring communities, – what would be interesting to know is, – how many of these commissioners or other powers that be, are LIVING IN THE AREA AFFECTED by these decisions?
PLEASE, step forward and let us know WHO you are.
Yea, OK. LOL!