Port Responds to ACC Action

The Port of Seattle welcomed the word Wednesday that the Airport Communities Coalition is withdrawing from all litigation against the Port of Seattle, including appeals of permits for Seattle Tacoma International Airport's third runway.

"This is an historic occasion," said Paige Miller, Port of Seattle Commission President. "The airport and the surrounding communities are committed to putting the litigation behind us, and working collaboratively for the benefit of the citizens of the area."

Commissioner Miller responded to action taken Tuesday night by the Airport Cities Coalition (ACC). The ACC is comprised of the cities of Des Moines, Burien, Federal Way, Tukwila, Normandy Park and the Highline School District.

"This action clears the way for us to work together not only on the environment, but also on transportation and economic development for these communities," she added.

The communities around the airport and the Port have discussed creating a new forum for regular exchanges in issues such as transportation improvements and economic development. In addition, the cities, the Port and the state Department of Ecology will have an enhanced level of communication on environmental issues.

"The Port has always believed the third runway project would meet high environmental standards to protect and enhance air and water quality. It's long been the Port's interest to participate in the economic development of our neighboring communities, and we are pleased to move ahead together to create new economic opportunities," she added.

"Many people have reached out to meet with me and Commissioner Patricia Davis to work on this issue," Miller noted. "In particular, Mayor Noel Gibb of Burien, Mayor Bob Sheckler of Des Moines, as well as King County Council member Julia Patterson and state Rep. Dave Upthegrove all understood the time was right to put the litigation behind us and to work together for the future."

"This is an important milestone for the Port and all the citizens of our region," said Port CEO M.R. Dinsmore. "This year, Sea-Tac Airport unveiled its new south terminal expansion and international arrivals hall. We look forward to completing our new Central Terminal next year. The decision by a number of our surrounding communities to move from litigation into a more collaborative working environment will help us all move forward in creating an airport that will benefit the entire community."