SPI Insights

Washington – The Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission took a straw poll in which more than half its members voted for the development of a new airport, possibly in the south Puget Sound area.

Fourteen out of 25 commissioners cast non-binding votes to expand or improve one or more existing airports and provide commercial and freight service to meet near-term capacity needs, while conducting the processes necessary for a large new airport.

The commission is reportedly looking at a location in the Littlerock area for a potential airport to reduce congestion and pollution at Sea-Tac.

Among the suggested alternatives, none of the commissioners voted for the option to develop one large airport the size of Sea-Tac.

The Washington Legislature founded the commission with the mandate to develop recommendations by 2022 to meet Washington state critical aviation system capacity needs. In addition to recommending a new primary commercial aviation facility, the commission will offer additional ways to accommodate capacity needs at other facilities.