Cities
Residents will have an opportunity to speak directly to Port of Seattle commissioners about the proposed Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) expansion during a public hearing on Thursday, July 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and online.
The hearing follows months of advocacy by residents and local officials. According to Burien Airport Committee Vice Chair Brian Davis, it resulted from a joint effort by the Burien Airport Committee and the Des Moines Airport Advisory Committee, including a petition signed by hundreds of residents in airport-impacted communities. Davis also noted that Washington law requires a public hearing when two or more affected municipalities request one, and both the cities of Burien and Des Moines submitted those requests.
"This is a big deal," Davis said. "The hearing will give residents of the airport-impacted communities the chance to speak directly to the commissioners about how this major airport expansion will affect them and their families."
The hearing is part of the public review process for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS), which evaluates the environmental impacts of 31 proposed airport expansion projects before the Port Commission considers whether to move forward.
Public Hearing Notice:
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects Draft Environmental Impact Statement
The public is invited to provide verbal comments to the Port of Seattle Commission regarding the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS).
Public Hearing
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hybrid meeting – In person and online
In-Person Location:
SEA Conference Center (Mezzanine Level)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
17801 International Blvd.
SeaTac, WA 98158
Each speaker will be allotted a set amount of time to provide comments. All verbal comments will be recorded and transcribed as part of the official public record for the Draft EIS.
The hearing will also be available online through the Port of Seattle Commission Meetings portal.
Project Information
Project: Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects (NTP)
SEPA Number: 2026-01
Applicant: Port of Seattle
About the Proposal
The SAMP includes 31 Near-Term Projects intended to improve efficiency, safety, access, and support facilities at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Key components include:
- A second terminal and concourse with 19 additional aircraft gates
- An elevated busway connecting the Rental Car Facility, new terminal, and main terminal
- New cargo facilities for air freight operations
- Realignment of airport roadways connecting terminals and support facilities
- Additional improvements to airport safety and operational efficiency
About the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
The purpose of the Draft EIS is to provide an impartial analysis of the environmental impacts of the proposed Near-Term Projects before the Port of Seattle makes any decisions. The document also evaluates reasonable alternatives and identifies measures that could avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental impacts.
Additional Ways to Comment
The July 9 public hearing is one of several opportunities to comment on the Draft EIS.
Comments may also be submitted:
- By email
- By U.S. Mail
- Online through the SAMP Environmental Review for Near-Term Projects website
Agency Contact
Steve Rybolt
Senior Environmental Program Manager
P.O. Box 68727
Seattle, WA 98168
Phone: (206) 787-5527
Email: Rybolt.S@portseattle.org
Where to Review the Draft EIS
Paper copies of the Draft EIS are available for public review at the following locations:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Airport Office Building (Mezzanine Level above Checkpoint 2)
17801 International Blvd.
SeaTac, WA 98158
Port of Seattle Headquarters
Pier 69
2711 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
Burien Library
400 SW 152nd St.
Burien, WA 98166
Des Moines Library
21620 11th Ave. S
Des Moines, WA 98198
SeaTac Valley View Library
17850 Military Rd. 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 Highway SW
Vashon, WA 98070
What Could 1,500 Flights a Day Mean for Your Neighborhood? Now is the Time to Comment
The Port’s expansion plan envisions one-third more flights by 2038. Community groups say residents should pay close attention and speak up.
Staff Writer
SAMP Environmental Review Released; Port Keeps 60-Day Comment Window
Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac sought more time for airport review, but the Port said no. The clock is already ticking on public comments.
Staff Writer
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