AVIATION 2017 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

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:
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

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

P.O. Box 1209                         Get email and text updates
Seattle, WA 98111                     Sign up via our website
(206) 787-3000                      www.portseattle.org/subscribe
www.portseattle.org
Printed on recycled paper