The Port of Seattle today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the proposed Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects (NTPs) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The FAA found that the NTPs are consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives as set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) is SEA’s proposed blueprint for future development, guiding strategic design and investment to meet future demand. It addresses five key needs, including passenger terminal and cargo capacity, aircraft delays, and fuel storage, as well as complying with FAA airfield standards. The FAA’s review found that the projects SEA has proposed will not have a significant environmental impact.
As part of the FAA’s review, it noted 17 findings that the Port must address when designing, building, and operating the proposed facilities. All but one are common business practices at the Port and SEA. The new condition that’s been identified by the FAA is a request that the Port make surface transportation improvements at 26 different intersections, an investment of about $40 million to enhance local communities. Specific details about all of the 17 findings can be found in the ROD.
SEA is proposing to expand our facilities within our existing footprint to meet the demand we have today and that we know is coming in the next few years. SEA is an important part of our region’s quality of life and economic vitality, and these investments would help us maintain a functioning and welcoming airport.
The Port is proposing 31 NTPs that improve the efficiency and safety of SEA, access to SEA, and support facilities for the airlines and SEA. The next step in evaluating these 31 projects is the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review of these proposed investments. The Port will lead that process, asking members of the public for their input along the way. A facilitated webinar to review the FAA’s Record of Decision and to preview the upcoming work on the next steps will be held for the public on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 6 p.m. Register for the virtual meeting online.
The Port Commissioners will be formally briefed at the next Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Pier 69 in Seattle, WA, with hybrid and in-person testimony available. The following meeting on October 28, 2025, will be at SEA with hybrid and in-person testimony available. Read Commission meeting information including instructions for providing public testimony, location, and agendas on the Commission Meetings portal. Future in-person and virtual open house meetings for public comment on the Port’s upcoming draft SEPA environmental impact statement are expected to occur in 2026.
Physical copies of the FONSI/ROD and Final EA will be available for review at the following locations during regular business hours through November 25, 2025:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Office — Mezzanine Level above Checkpoint 2
17801 International Boulevard, SeaTac, WA 98158 - Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69
2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 - Burien Library
400 SW 152nd Street, Burien, WA 98166 - Des Moines Library
21620 11th Avenue S, Des Moines, WA 98198 - Federal Way 320th Library
848 S 320th Street, Federal Way, WA 98003 - SeaTac Valley View Library
17850 Military Road S, SeaTac, WA 98188 - White Center Library
1409 SW 107th Street, Seattle, WA 98146 - Tukwila Library
14380 Tukwila International Boulevard, Tukwila, WA 98168 - Vashon Library
17210 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon, WA 98070
- You can read more about SAMP and this latest update on the dedicated SAMP website.
- To stay informed about SAMP, please subscribe, under “Environment and Sustainability News,” to receive Sustainable Airport Master Plan updates via email.
Contact
Perry Cooper | SEA Airport
(206) 787-4923 | [email protected]
