[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by a verified resident. It represents the opinion of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of South King Media or its staff.]
Port Commission Meeting Alert
The Port of Seattle has submitted a disappointing airport expansion proposal—which forecasts a 30 per cent increase in flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport—for review under Washington state environmental laws. A public comment period on the proposal runs until July 21.
The so-called Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) projects more than 1,500 takeoffs and landings per day by 2038. In its filing, the Port acknowledges a number of adverse impacts, including increased noise and air pollution, but argues most do not meet regulatory thresholds that would require the Port to correct or compensate for those problems.
The Port’s proposal is now under review by municipal officials, community organizations and individuals in cities adjacent to the airport. Staff will brief the Port Commission at an open public meeting in the airport terminal at Noon on Tuesday.
The SeaTac Airport Community Coalition for Justice (STACC4J) is encouraging residents to attend the commission meeting. It is also circulating a petition calling for an extension in the public comment period from 60 days to 90. That information is here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/1439691/188214039864673794
The airport watchdog Sea-Tac Noise.Info also offers a variety of information and resources for responding to the Port’s proposal: https://seatacnoise.info/samp-sepa-60-day-public-comment-period-opens/
Under the master plan, neighboring cities and their residents will continue to pay a disproportionate price for airport growth that benefits the entire Puget Sound region. Now would be a great time for folks to weigh in.
– Brian Davis
Burien
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