The cities of SeaTac, Burien and Des Moines announced in a joint statement on Thursday, May 21 that the Port of Seattle denied their request for additional time to review the environmental impacts of several proposed Sea-Tac Airport improvement projects.

The three cities had formally requested a 90-day public comment period for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) State Environmental Policy Act Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be released this Friday, May 22.

The request was submitted May 18 and denied by the Port on May 21, according to the City of Burien.

The Port said it currently plans to keep the comment period open for only 60 days.

In their request, the cities said “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.”

City officials said the draft environmental review will evaluate airport related improvement projects with possible impacts on surface transportation, noise, air quality, land use, public health, construction, stormwater and overall quality of life in surrounding communities.

The cities also cited regional preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ongoing regional planning efforts and unresolved concerns about cumulative airport growth impacts as reasons for requesting a longer review period.

According to the cities, the issues require coordination among multiple jurisdictions and departments, along with consultation from technical experts, legal counsel, elected officials and community members.

The cities reiterated previous concerns about balancing airport operations with impacts on nearby residents.

“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 request stated.

Burien, Des Moines and SeaTac said they want the process to be “productive” and “thorough” and urged the Port of Seattle to reconsider granting a 90 day comment period.

Once released, the SEPA Draft EIS will be available online at  sea-samp.com, according to the cities. Printed copies will also be available at local libraries. Public comments may be submitted online, by email, by mail or during public meetings listed on the sea-samp.com website.

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