A state Senate committee will hold a hearing next week on legislation sponsored by Sen. Tina Orwall that aims to speed up repairs and replacements of failed noise mitigation installations in homes near Sea-Tac International Airport.
The Senate Energy, Environment and Technology Committee is scheduled to hear the bill at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Orwall, a Democrat who represents the 33rd Legislative District, said the bill is intended to break what supporters describe as a bureaucratic logjam at the Port of Seattle.
Spurred by the lack of repairs to failed “Port packages,” the Burien City Council last year urged the Port of Seattle Commission to overhaul its replacement program, but the commission has not responded, even as it seeks approval for construction projects expected to increase aircraft traffic at Sea-Tac by about 30%.
The bill would require large port districts that operate airport noise abatement programs to adopt environmental justice implementation and community engagement plans, and to assess cumulative environmental and health impacts before approving major construction or expansion projects. It would also require consultation with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations, public reporting on impacts and mitigation strategies, and allow port districts to spend funds to reduce environmental harm and address past disparities, according to the bill text.
The legislation would add state funding to the replacement program and allow repairs to homes that previously received Port packages even if they are no longer located within the high noise zone, defined as 65 day night average sound level, which has traditionally limited where repairs could be made.
How to Comment
People can testify in person or remotely at the Jan. 21 hearing, or submit written comments, according to the Washington State Legislature. Information on how to comment is available on the right side of the Legislature’s bill summary page for SB 5662.
