OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington Department of Commerce request for proposal (RFP) to study the ongoing impacts of growing operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport closes on March 15. The department will then select a consultant through a competitive process for the $500,000 contract.

Seattle-Tacoma ranks among the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., with operations up 23 percent between 2014 and 2016, and continuing to climb.

The state Legislature requested the study last year and required Commerce to procure a consultant (ESSB6032) to evaluate impacts on quality of life associated with Sea-Tac air traffic noise, public health, traffic, congestion, and parking in residential areas, pedestrian access to and around the airport, public safety and crime within the cities, effects on residential and non-residential property values and economic development opportunities.

Commerce has been working since last summer with staff and public representatives of Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac and Tukwila, as well as state legislators, to develop a statement of work.

“In 2009 the state projected that by 2030 we would have 30 million passengers traveling through SeaTac. In 2018, we reached 50 million. We are one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation, and it is important we understand the impact of that growth on our aviation systems and communities. Along with local governments and community leaders, we are seeking to better understand what the effects of a growing commercial airport may have on our region and what opportunities may exist to mitigate negative impacts,” said Rep. Tina Orwall (D-33).

“A great collaboration of community leaders and concerned citizens have come together to better understand the impacts of SeaTac on their communities, said Mark Barkley, assistant director for Commerce’s Local Government Division. “This effort will provide local leaders and the Legislature data necessary to better understand these impacts.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working with Sea-Tac and other busy airports around the country to research and implement the next generation air traffic management system, or NextGen.Through innovative new technologies and procedures, including improved infrastructure, enhanced air traffic control, Performance- Based Navigation (PBN) and better digital communications, NextGen aims to help balance increased demand and improve efficiency, safety and resilience of U.S. national airspace. Read more about specific projects and FAA community involvement around Sea-Tac.