AVIATION

2017 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

I. INVESTING IN OUR AIRPORT

Sea-Tac International Airport has been the fastest growing airport in the country for the past three years in a row,

transforming us into the nation’s ninth largest airport. To adjust to that booming growth, we are preparing to invest

billions in renovations and new infrastructure. In particular, we seek to:

a. Increase Federal Funding: We support passage of a long-term FAA reauthorization bill that strengthens our

region’s airport system by allowing us to invest in today’s needs and the future. Specifically, we want robust Airport

Improvement Program funding necessary to enable Sea-Tac to provide cost-competitive service.

b. Increase Funding Flexibility: We will be a national leader on the effort to modernize the Passenger Facility

Charge user fee – raising the federal cap from $4.50 and giving the Port of Seattle Commission the ability to set

levels based on locally determined needs.

c. Leverage Infrastructure Investment and Tax Reform: If the federal government chooses to significantly boost

infrastructure spending, the Port will advocate for its share of those dollars. In addition, as comprehensive tax

reform discussions advance, we support options that would lower the cost of airport financing, such as full tax

exemption for private activity bonds.

II. ACCOMMODATING PASSENGER GROWTH

Sea-Tac International Airport is projected to grow to 66 million passengers per year by 2034, up from 46 million in 2016.

Keeping our airport as efficient as possible is essential to accommodating the increasing number of passengers and

flights going in and out. In particular, we seek to:

a. Increase TSA Screening Capacity: We support TSA efforts to authorize additional canine teams, and hire and

train new Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).

b. Continue TSA reform: We will work with TSA to implement innovative solutions to address surge capacity,

including expansion of PreCheck and use of new technologies.

www.portseattle.org

There is a lot riding on the future of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. We are one of the nation’s largest and

fastest-growing airports, and a key contributor to regional travel, commerce and job creation. We pride ourselves on

an efficient, smooth customer experience, on-time performance and environmental commitment. As we continue

to grow, we are focused on developing more modern, high-tech facilities that will speed travelers on their way, and

better connect the Puget Sound region to the world. The federal government can help us achieve this vision by:

P.O. Box 1209

Seattle, WA 98111

(206) 787-3000

www.portseattle.org

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III. CONNECTING US TO THE WORLD

Sea-Tac is truly an international airport, serving as a gateway to and from the rest of the world for both passengers and

goods. The success of our airport depends on international visitation to the United States that is both highly secure and

also maximally accessible to those individuals who do not pose a threat. To continue in this capacity, we seek to:

a. Comply with REAL ID: We will align with Port efforts at the state level to bring Washington state into compliance

with federal regulations. Subsequently, we will coordinate with federal agencies to recognize Washington state’s

compliance with these rules.

b. Welcome International Travelers: We will track new immigration legislation or regulations, as well as specific

travel policies like the continued expansion of preclearance programs that allow travelers from certain foreign

airports to pass through customs in advance.

c. Lower Trade Barriers: With 40% of Washington’s economy tied to international trade, we support policies that

simultaneously level playing fields for international commerce while protecting workers and the environment.

IV. ADDRESSING COMMUNITY IMPACT

As our airport grows, we are focused on how that growth impacts our surrounding communities. Federal legislation and

regulation can help us:

a. Engage Communities on Flight Paths, Noise and Emissions: We will pursue increased authority for the FAA to

engage directly with local communities on flight path changes, noise issues and airplane environmental impacts.

We also support changes to noise insulation eligibility policy that ensure funding for key community projects.

b. Steward Our Environment: We support proposals to reduce carbon emissions from Port operations and promote

energy efficient operation of transportation infrastructure. In particular, we will pursue policies and funding that

boosts the Port’s environmental initiatives, including scaling aviation biofuels.

c. Increase Economic & Workforce Development: We will engage actively in growing policies and programs that

boost economic, workforce and tourism development, and augment existing Port efforts to promote the health of

small businesses.

d. Create Thriving Communities & Quality of Life: We will closely monitor, and engage appropriately, on efforts

that make our region a better place to live, work and play, including policies and funding for improved working

conditions, affordability and public safety.

CONTACT

For more information on the Port of Seattle’s federal

legislative agenda, contact:

Eric Schinfeld

Port of Seattle

Senior Manager Federal & Int’l Gov’t Relations

(206) 787-5031 |

Schinfeld.E@portseattle.org