The Port of Seattle has officially announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval for a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) concerning the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) Sustainable Airport Master Plan’s Near-Term Projects (NTPs). This conclusion indicates that the proposed projects align with the goals set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and will not significantly impact the quality of the human environment.
The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) serves as a strategic framework for SEA’s future development, addressing critical needs such as passenger terminal and cargo capacity, aircraft delays, and fuel storage while ensuring compliance with FAA airfield standards. According to the FAA’s evaluation, the NTPs proposed by SEA will not result in any significant environmental repercussions.
During the FAA’s comprehensive review, 17 findings were identified that the Port must consider while designing, constructing, and operating the proposed infrastructure. While most of these findings are standard practices at the Port and SEA, there is one new requirement from the FAA: the Port must invest about $40 million in improving surface transportation at 26 different intersections to support local communities. Detailed information regarding all 17 findings can be reviewed in the Record of Decision.
SEA aims to expand its facilities within its existing footprint to meet both current and projected future demand. The airport plays a vital role in the region’s quality of life and economic stability, and these expansions are intended to ensure SEA remains efficient and welcoming.
The Port is set to propose 31 Near-Term Projects aimed at enhancing SEA’s safety and efficiency, upgrading access, and supporting the airlines. The forthcoming step in scrutinizing these projects involves a review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), which the Port will spearhead. Public participation will be an integral part of this process, as community feedback will be encouraged.
To facilitate this, a public webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 6 p.m. This session will focus on the FAA’s Record of Decision, alongside an overview of forthcoming steps in the evaluation of the NTPs. Interested participants can register for the virtual meeting online.
Furthermore, the Port Commissioners will receive a formal briefing on the matter during the Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at Pier 69 in Seattle, WA, and will provide opportunities for both hybrid and in-person testimony. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for October 28, 2025, at SEA, with testimony formats once again open for both hybrid and in-person participation.
In 2026, additional in-person and virtual open house meetings for public commentary regarding the Port’s upcoming draft SEPA environmental impact statement are expected to take place.
For those interested in gaining access to physical copies of the FONSI/ROD and Final EA, they will be available for review at several locations during regular business hours through November 25, 2025. These locations include:
1. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Office (Mezzanine Level above Checkpoint 2)
2. Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69
3. Burien Library
4. Des Moines Library
5. Federal Way 320th Library
6. SeaTac Valley View Library
7. White Center Library
8. Tukwila Library
9. Vashon Library
For additional information regarding the Sustainable Airport Master Plan and its recent updates, visit the dedicated SAMP website. Individuals can also subscribe under the “Environment and Sustainability News” section to receive updates via email.
image source from：portseattle
