Cities’ Request for 90-Day Comment Period for Draft Environmental Impact Statement Covering Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects Not Granted
On May 18, 2026, the Cities of Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac submitted a formal request to the Port of Seattle for a 90-day comment period for its Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) expected to be released on May 22, 2026. That request was denied by the Port of Seattle on May 21, stating that as of this time, they are only planning to keep the comment period open for a total of 60 days.
The request explains that “given the scope, technical complexity, and significant implications of the SAMP, the Cities believe that no less than 90 days will be needed for the Cities to adequately review, digest, and provide thorough and useful comments on the Draft EIS.”
Among reasons cited for the request include the overlap with regional preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the complexities of exploring potential impacts in context of each City’s ongoing regional planning work, many unresolved concerns around cumulative impacts of airport growth, and the desire to support a more transparent and effective public process.
The draft will evaluate several airport-related improvement projects that “have implications for surface transportation, noise, air quality, land use, public health, construction impacts, stormwater, cumulative impacts, and quality of life.”
As previously stated by the Cities, “while there is a clear need to address increasing efficiency, capacity, and safety of airport operations, the Cities take very seriously the protection of their residents’ health and well-being.”
The Cities believe these issues have a direct impact on the communities they serve; it is the Cities’ responsibility to complete a full review, including coordination across jurisdictions and departments, working with technical consultants and legal counsel, and consulting with elected officials and community members.
The Cities desire for this process to be productive, thorough, and move all parties closer to solutions that work for each of the communities served and reassert that 90 days is required for a fair process. The Cities urge the Port to reconsider and grant the request.
Once published, community members are encouraged to visit sea-samp.com to access a copy of the SEPA Draft EIS or find a hard copy at their local library. Public comments can be submitted during the period by email, mail, online, or at a public meeting listed on the website.
Links:
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Devin Chicras
City of Burien Communications and Public Engagement Manager
[email protected]
Bonnie Wilkins
City of Des Moines Director of Administrative Services
[email protected]
Krista Carlson
City of SeaTac Communications Manager
[email protected]
About the City of Burien
The City of Burien is a vibrant and creative community where the residents embrace diversity, celebrate arts and culture, promote vitality, and treasure the environment. For more information, visit burienwa.gov.
About the City of Des Moines
Des Moines is a waterfront community committed to maintaining a safe, sustainable environment, while ensuring a high quality of life for all to live, work and play. For more information, visit desmoineswa.gov.
About the City of SeaTac
The City of SeaTac is a thriving, culturally and economically diverse community of 32,000 residents, with an excellent park system plus an attractive and convenient portal to the wonderful activities and destinations of the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit seatacwa.gov.