PORT OF SEATTLE 
MEMORANDUM 
COMMISSION AGENDA               Item No.      4g 
ACTION ITEM 
Date of Meeting     April 14, 2015 
DATE:    April 7, 2015 
TO:      Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
FROM:   Michael Ehl, Director, Airport Operations 
Wayne Grotheer, Director, Aviation Project Management Group 
SUBJECT:  C800324 Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot and C102162 Air Cargo Road Safety
Improvements 
Amount of This Request:        $649,900   Source of Funds:  Airport Development
Fund, City of SeaTac
Est. Total Project Cost:        $6,500,000 
Parking Tax Revenues 
Est. State and Local Taxes:        $99,000 
ACTION REQUESTED 
Request Commission authorization for the Chief Executive Officer to 1) execute a design
contract for the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot (#C800324) and the Air Cargo Road Safety
Improvements (#C102162) project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Airport), and 2) to
continue the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot (#C800324) project for an additional $649,900
for a total authorization to date of $3,300,000. 
SYNOPSIS 
The Port and City of SeaTac agree that a traffic signal appears to be the appropriate permanent
access solution for the Cell Phone Lot. However, since this project, and the pending Air Cargo
Road Safety Improvements project, may be displaced by future Airport development in the next
five to ten years, staff recommends delaying the start of design for both projects. The City of
SeaTac supports delaying the design at this time. This request maintains the operation of the
temporary traffic signal for up to two years, and completes the procurement of the design team to
support both projects, while staff continues to explore lower cost alternatives for a final 
permanent access solution for the Cell Phone Lot  and for the Air Cargo Road Safety
Improvements project. 
BACKGROUND 
The Airport first implemented a Cell Phone Lot in 2003 as part of a strategy to reduce curbside
congestion and eliminate unsafe shoulder parking on the Airport roadway system. The first Cell
Phone Lot provided 40 parking stalls. As demand grew, the facility was relocated to the parking
area in front of the postal service building and eventually expanded to 100 stalls, but this facility

Template revised May 30, 2013.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
April 7, 2015 
Page 2 of 8 
was displaced in early 2014 by aircraft parking positions constructed as part of the Cargo 5
project. 
On December 11, 2012, Commission authorized the design of the Cell Phone Lot and
roundabout for access on S 170th St. Construction of the Lot and the roundabout were planned
under one major public works contract with an estimated completion date in March 2014. 
On September 10, 2013, the Commission authorized construction of the Cell Phone Lot and the
temporary traffic signal. Staff had revised the project phasing plan to fast-track the design and
construction of the Cell Phone Lot in order to relocate the existing operations by April 1, 2014 to
provide uninterrupted Cell Phone Lot availability. 
On February 27, 2014 the Port of Seattle entered into a small works construction contract for the
installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of a temporary traffic signal. This contract
assumed the completion of the roundabout improvements in February 2015, and the removal of
the temporary traffic signal system in March 2015.  As of this time, the contract has been
extended into mid-May 2015.
On May 6, 2014, Commission authorized additional funds for the construction of the Cell Phone
Lot in order to address unforeseen unsuitable subgrade conditions, higher than anticipated bids 
for the Cell Phone Lot lighting system, and additional soft costs. At this same time staff also
recommended re-evaluating the permanent access solution, since at completion of 60% design 
phase for the roundabout the estimated cost for the improvements had grown significantly.
Staff has completed the analysis and concluded that a traffic signal is likely the appropriate
permanent access solution for the Cell Phone Lot, since it provides better operational
performance, provides a more flexible solution, has less impact to the traveling public during
construction, and lower overall costs. Since a portion of these improvements are located within
the City S. 170th St. right-of-way, the Port has reviewed the analysis with City staff and the City
has concurred that a traffic signal appears to be the appropriate permanent access solution.
Project staff from both organizations continue to review the details for the proposed
improvements and address issues as they arise. In August 2013 the Port had issued a
Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) that
identified that the planned roundabout was better suited for the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting
Lot project instead of a traffic signal. In light of the decision to utilize a traffic signal instead of
a roundabout, the SEPA DNS needs to be updated to analyze the effects of utilizing a traffic
signal instead of a roundabout. 
The Aviation Division is also considering the improvements included in the Air Cargo Road
Safety Improvements project. Air Cargo Rd. was originally constructed circa 1970 and is the
primary access for a number of airfield, cargo, and landside facilities at the Airport. The existing
pavement is worn with significant cracking indicating that it is at the end of its useful life and
requires rehabilitation. The Air Cargo Road Safety Improvements project generally includes the
renewal of the Air Cargo Rd. corridor between S 170th St. and S. 166th St.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
April 7, 2015 
Page 3 of 8 
The Aviation Division is underway with the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), and
alternatives have been identified that may displace the Cell Phone Lot and permanent traffic
signal, and the improvements on Air Cargo Rd, in approximately five to ten years. In order to 
minimize the overall investment given the potential shortened useful life of these facilities, staff
proposes delaying the start of design by six months to evaluate lower cost options to support the
continued operation of the Cell Phone Lot and adjacent roadway system, meet the required codes
and standards, and coordinate with City staff. This delay requires that the contract for operation
and maintenance of the temporary traffic signal be extended. Staff is currently negotiating a
maintenance agreement, and evaluating some minor improvements to be implemented over the
next few months, that would extend the operation of the temporary traffic signal through the end
of 2017.
In order to minimize the overall impact of the design delay on both the Long-Term Cell Phone
Waiting Lot and Air Cargo Road Safety Improvements projects, staff is requesting authorization
to procure the design team for both projects. Since the improvement area for both projects
overlap, and the projects have similar scope, staff has decided to pursue both projects as one
combined effort in order to achieve significant savings for both projects. 
PROJECT JUSTIFICATION AND DETAILS 
The project justification and details below are for the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot
project. The Air Cargo Road Safety Improvements project is considered a renewal/replacement
type of project and is not yet fully defined. 
The existing Cell Phone Lot was displaced in April 2014 by the construction of aircraft parking
positions as part of the Cargo 5 project. This facility is part of a strategy to reduce curbside
congestion and unsafe shoulder parking on the Airport roadway system. 
Project Objectives 
The construction of a replacement Cell Phone Lot with the capacity of 150-200 stalls in
support of the Cargo 5 project. 
The signage and access improvements support anticipated traffic volumes and make the
Cell Phone Lot easy to find. 
Minimize investment given the anticipated future development needs currently being
defined as part of SAMP and the limited useful life of the improvements. 
Scope of Work 
The replacement Cell Phone Lot was completed in April 2014 and included the parking lot,
storm drainage, lighting system, biofiltration swale, and temporary traffic signal. The scope of
work that was not completed includes the lot landscaping, frontage sidewalk and landscaping,
permanent signage, permanent traffic signal and associated roadway improvements. Preliminary
traffic analysis indicates that the needed roadway improvements would extend north along Air
Cargo Road to the on-ramp onto the Northern Airport Expressway as identified in Attachment A.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
April 7, 2015 
Page 4 of 8 
Schedule 
The schedule for completion of the project has not been defined. Staff believes the evaluation of
alternatives and the selection of a preferred solution may be determined within six months
following the approval of this request. At that time staff will return to the Commission to present
the alternatives evaluated and seek authorization for design and construction of the final solution.
Staff will procure the design team concurrently with the evaluation of alternatives to allow the
immediate start of design should it and construction be authorized. 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
The financial implications below are for the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot project only.
The Air Cargo Road Safety Improvements project is currently a business plan prospective
project with a preliminary budget of $3,052,000 and funds for this project are not included in this
request. 
Budget/Authorization Summary             Capital      Expense   Total Project 
Original Budget                      $1,768,000          $0    $1,768,000 
Budget Increase                      $1,532,000          $0    $1,532,000 
Budget Re-Categorization                ($180,410)     $180,410          $0 
Revised Budget                     $3,119,590     $180,410    $3,300,000 
Previous Authorizations                 $2,469,680     $180,410    $2,650,100 
Current request for authorization              $649,900          $0      $649,900 
Total Authorizations, including this request     $3,119,590      $180,410    $3,300,000 
Remaining budget to be authorized         $3,330,410     $119,590    $3,450,000 
Total Estimated Project Cost              $6,300,000     $300,000    $6,600,000 
Project Cost Breakdown                     This Request        Total Project 
Design Phase                              $150,000          $558,000 
Construction Phase                           $499,900         $2,643,100 
State & Local Taxes (estimated)                        $0           $99,000 
Total                                       $649,900         $3,300,000 
Budget Status and Source of Funds 
The Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot project (CIP #C800324) is included in the 2015-2019
capital budget and plan of finance with a total capital budget of $3,112,962 ($935,000 was
anticipated to be public expense). A budget increase of $6,900 will be transferred from the
Aeronautical Allowance CIP (C800404) for a total revised capital budget of $3,119,590.
Additional budget will be required when staff determines the best solution. The funding source
for this project is a combination of Airport Development Funds and City of SeaTac parking tax
revenues.  An amendment to the Port/City of SeaTac Interlocal Agreement (ILA) will be
required to add the permanent traffic signal to the list of parking tax eligible projects.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
April 7, 2015 
Page 5 of 8 
Financial Analysis and Summary 
CIP Category             Renewal/Enhancement 
Project Type              Infrastructure Upgrades 
Risk adjusted discount rate     N/A 
Key risk factors             Future Airport development will displace these
improvements. Consequently, improvements will be
depreciated over ten years. 
Project cost for analysis        $6,600,000 
Business Unit (BU)          Roadways 
Effect on business performance  NOI after depreciation will decrease 
IRR/NPV             N/A 
CPE Impact             $0.02 
Lifecycle Cost and Savings 
Port staff estimates the impact to the on-going operation and maintenance costs associated with
the Cell Phone Lot to be $25,000 per year. This does not include the costs to operate and
maintain a permanent traffic signal nor does it include the costs of additional Port police traffic
management during high use periods. 
STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES 
These projects support the Century Agenda's strategic objective to advance this region as a
leading tourism destination and business gateway by meeting the region's air transportation
needs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for the next 25 years. These projects also support
the Aviation strategy to operate a world-class international airport by ensuring safe and secure
operations. 
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE 
Economic Development 
These projects represent an investment in our current facilities and support the long-term vitality
of the Airport and its tenants. 
Environmental Responsibility 
The completion of the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot project will require the SEPA
Determination, issued August 12, 2013, to be reanalyzed based on recommended traffic
improvements based on the relocation of the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. 
The Cell Phone Lot provides a location for drivers of vehicles to wait before approaching the
arrivals curb-side drive at the terminal in order to pick up arriving passengers, reduces
unnecessary circulation on the airport roadway system, and can lower vehicle emissions.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
April 7, 2015 
Page 6 of 8 
Community Benefits 
These projects  are intended to support the anticipated traffic needs of the Airport and
surrounding community on the S. 170th St. and Air Cargo Rd. corridors. 
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED 
The alternatives and implications below are for the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot project.
The Air Cargo Road Safety Improvements project is currently a prospective project and was not
included. 
Alternative 1)  Maintain the status quo. 
Under this alternative no improvements are completed. The temporary traffic signal remains in
operation on S. 170th St. and the remaining scope for the Long-Term Cell Phone Waiting Lot is
not completed. This is not the recommended alternative. 
Pros: 
This is the least costly alternative to implement. 
This alternative minimizes construction of improvements that may be displaced by
the future development options being evaluated as part of SAMP. 
Cons: 
Under this scenario, the Port has not completed the project as defined in the SEPA
DNS, and the impacts of the Cell Phone Lot on local roadways may not be adequately
mitigated. The Port would need to undertake additional SEPA review to analyze the
replacement of the proposed roundabout with the temporary traffic signal. 
Under this alternative the Port will not complete the landscaping improvements as
obligated by the City of SeaTac/Port of Seattle Interlocal Agreement. 
The existing temporary traffic signal and access for the Cell Phone Lot do not meet
roadway standard requirements for permanent access. This is contrary to state law
and increases the Port's liability risk. 
The roadway system will not be improved to support existing and interim operations.
Congestion and queueing will continue to develop impacting existing operations and
customer service.
Alternative 2)  Complete the roundabout for Cell Phone Lot access 
Under this alternative the Cell Phone Lot is completed, including the construction of a two-lane
roundabout and associated roadway improvements as the permanent access solution. The project
scope would include roadway widening, non-motorized transportation, roadway illumination,
operations/safety improvements, and landscaping. This is not the recommended alternative.
Pros: 
The roadway system is improved, meets roadway standard requirements, and supports
existing and interim operations. 
The Port completes the landscaping improvements as obligated by the City of
SeaTac/Port of Seattle Interlocal Agreement.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
April 7, 2015 
Page 7 of 8 
Cons: 
Traffic analysis has shown that the roundabout for Cell Phone Lot access does not
operate as efficiently as a traffic signal during the evening peaks or in the near-term.
In addition, operations on S.170th  St. will be significantly disrupted during
construction. 
This is the highest cost alternative with an estimated total cost of $8.9 Million. The
improvements may be displaced by the future development options being evaluated
as part of SAMP. 
Alternative 3)  Complete the permanent traffic signal for Cell Phone Lot access 
Under this alternative the Cell Phone Lot is complete, including the construction of a permanent
traffic signal and associated roadway improvements as the permanent access solution. The
project scope would include roadway widening, non-motorized transportation, roadway
illumination, operations/safety improvements, and landscaping. This is not the recommended
alternative at this time.
Pros: 
The roadway system is improved, meets roadway standard requirements, and supports
existing and interim operations. 
Traffic analysis has shown that a traffic signal for Cell Phone Lot access provides the
best operating efficiency and provides flexibility for changing traffic patterns
throughout the day. 
The Port completes the landscaping improvements as obligated by the City of
SeaTac/Port of Seattle Interlocal Agreement. 
Cons: 
This is the second highest cost alternative with an estimated total cost of $6.6 Million. 
The improvements may be displaced by the future development options being
evaluated as part of SAMP.
Requires the Port to undertake additional SEPA review to analyze the replacement of
the proposed roundabout with a permanent traffic signal and associated roadway
improvements. 
Alternative 4)  Continue to Explore Options 
Under this alternative staff will continue to explore options to provide a permanent access
solution for the Cell Phone Lot that meet roadway standards requirements, and minimize the
overall investment for the Port. Staff would continue to execute the maintenance agreement for
the operation and maintenance of the temporary traffic signal. This is the recommended
alternative.
Pros: 
Allows both Port and City staff additional time to explore options for a permanent
access solution for the Cell Phone Lot in conjunction with expected SAMP impacts. 
Helps to avoid short-term investments that might be displaced in several years to
meet SAMP needs.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Ted Fick, Chief Executive Officer 
April 7, 2015 
Page 8 of 8 
Cons: 
Delays the completion of the roadway system improvements. 
The impacts to existing operations and customer service due to congestion and
queueing will continue. 
Will require Port Police to tend to traffic management to maintain a reasonable level
of service for Cell Phone Lot customers.
The Port will be required to undertake additional SEPA review to analyze the
temporary traffic signal.  Once the preferred option is identified, the Port will
undertake another SEPA process to analyze  the replacement of the proposed
roundabout with the preferred option. 
Delays the completion of the landscaping improvements as obligated by the City of
SeaTac/Port of Seattle Interlocal Agreement. 
ATTACHMENTS TO THIS REQUEST 
Attachment A, Project Vicinity Map and Photos 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
May 6, 2014  Additional authorization for construction of the Cell Phone Lot in the
amount of $822,100 for a total authorization of $2,650,100. 
September 10, 2013  Authorization for construction of the Cell Phone Lot in the
amount of $1,420,000 for a total authorization of $1,828,000. 
December 11, 2012   Authorization for the design of the Cell Phone Lot and
roundabout in the amount of $408,000.