PORT OF SEATTLE 
MEMORANDUM 
COMMISSION AGENDA             Item No.      5e 
ACTION ITEM          Date of Meeting   November 6, 2012 

DATE:    October 29, 2012 
TO:     Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
FROM:    Michael Ehl, Director, Airport Operations 
Wayne Grotheer, Director, Aviation Project Management Group 
SUBJECT:  Concourse C Vertical Circulation Project CIP #C800547 
Amount of This Request:  $3,155,000       Source of Funds: Airport Development
Fund and future revenue bonds 
Est. State and Local Taxes: $1,175,000        Est. Jobs Created: N/A 
Est. Total Project Cost:    $19,300,000 
ACTION REQUESTED: 
Request Commission authorization for the Chief Executive Officer to proceed with the
Concourse C Vertical Circulation project, prepare design documents, and use Port crews to
support site investigation needed to develop the contract documents. The amount of this request
is $3,155,000, and the total project cost is $19,300,000. 
SYNOPSIS: 
This project is a component of the North Sea-Tac Airport Renovation (NorthSTAR) program.
The purpose of this project is to install ramps to improve passenger circulation and safety,
enhance customer service, and improve operational efficiency at three locations on Concourse C
by replacing the existing stairs used for ground enplaning/deplaning with covered, weatherproof,
bi-directional sloped walkways and elevators, which will result in a safer path of travel.
Completing this project also allows more efficient use of Concourse C by regional carriers and
will better support future passenger growth. 
New interior corridors and ground level covered walkways to the aircraft will be provided by
Alaska Air Group (AAG) to complement the new circulation cores. Sustainable materials and
Energy Star-rated elevators will be addressed during design. This project was included in the
2013-2017 capital budget and plan of finance. The work will be done using an existing
indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) design contract that has an end date of December
30, 2015. 
BACKGROUND: 
The Concourse C Vertical Circulation Project (Project) is one project within the NorthSTAR
program. The Project consolidates the AAG regional aircraft operations at Concourse C in

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
October 29, 2012 
Page 2 of 6 
preparation for the future renovation of the North Satellite (NSAT) that includes reconfiguration
and expansion of the number of NSAT aircraft gates consistent with the NSAT project and
NorthSTAR program goals. Currently, AAG's regional aircraft are located on Concourses B and
C. Concourse C is currently configured for regional aircraft at Gates C24 utilizing uncovered
exterior stairs and a single hydraulic elevator from the concourse for ground loading/unloading
of passengers. Gates C10-12 and C14 are configured for passenger jets utilizing passenger
loading bridges. The proposed project will improve the safety of the vertical circulation to the
regional aircraft at the existing C24 gates and provide for new vertical circulation cores to
regional aircraft at Gates C10-12 and C14. 
PROJECT JUSTIFICATION: 
The current Concourse C regional operation utilizes uncovered exterior stairs with insufficient
and inadequate elevator capacity. This configuration creates a safety concern for passengers that
carry luggage down the stairways. Due to the need to utilize stairs, use of the elevator is higher
than typical, especially for handicapped and elderly passengers. The elevator has reached the
end of its useful life and has limited reliability. As a result, the existing arrangements do not
promote passenger safety and customer service and do not achieve operational efficiency for the
airline. Further, the configuration of the gates and aircraft do not permit further consolidation of
regional aircraft operations on Concourse C. 
The Project will enhance customer service and safety by providing new exterior weather 
protected walkways with elevators, improving safer passenger circulation between the aircraft
and concourse level and improve airline operational efficiency. The covered 1:20 sloped
walkways with elevator(s) will provide a higher level of service with improved safety to
passengers than the existing stairs and single unreliable elevator at Gate C2. The slope of
walkways is less steep than typical 1:12 ramps, thus encouraging use by passengers and
minimizing lines/waiting time at the elevator(s). The walkways will also be low maintenance.
The new elevators will be non-hydraulic and energy efficient, providing faster and more reliable
service than the current hydraulic elevator, enhancing passenger circulation capacity and
improving service for mobility-challenged passengers.
Project Objectives: 
Upgrade the Concourse C facilities for regional operations consistent with the
NorthSTAR program projections. 
Provider safer access to the ramp level by providing weather protected sloped
walkways and elevators. 
Improve customer service and safety by providing new vertical circulation cores
between the concourse and ground level for access to/from regional aircraft. 
Improve efficiency of the regional operations through consolidation of regional aircraft
on Concourse C. 
Complete the project in the needed time frame to facilitate the schedule for the other
NorthSTAR program improvements.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
October 29, 2012 
Page 3 of 6 
PROJECT SCOPE OF WORK AND SCHEDULE: 
Scope of Work: 
This request includes the following design elements: 
Three sets of 1:20 sloped enclosed exterior walkways from concourse to ground level at
Gates C2-4, C10-12, and C14 on Concourse C. 
Machine-room-less elevators at each gate location; 2 at C2-4 and 1 at C10-12 and C14. 
Steel frame structure with concrete slab over metal decking. 
Concrete foundations. 
Glass and metal panel weather enclosures. 
Demolition of existing exterior stairs where applicable, and interior hydraulic elevator C-
2 at Gate C2. 
Schedule: 
Commission Authorization for Design                   November 2012 
Design Complete                              July 2013 
Commission Authorization to Bid Work                 August 2013 
Construction Start                                  November 2013 
Construction Complete                            September 2014 
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: 
Budget/Authorization Summary:            Capital       Expense     Total Project 
Original Budget                              $0           $0           $0 
Previous Authorizations                         $0           $0           $0 
Current request for authorization               $3,155,000            $0      $3,155,000 
Total Authorizations, including this request        $3,155,000            $0      $3,155,000 
Remaining budget to be authorized           $16,145,000           $0     $16,145,000 
Total Estimated Project Cost               $19,300,000           $0     $19,300,000 
Project Cost Breakdown:                 This Request    Total Project 
Construction                                 $0     $12,400,100 
Construction Management & CPO             $300,000     $1,800,000 
Design                              $1,775,000     $1,775,000 
Project Management, Airport Directs, &         $1,050,000     $1,650,000
Permitting 
RMM                       $30,000      $49,900 
Art Program & Scope Reserve                    $0      $450,000 
State & Local Taxes (estimated)                    $0     $1,175,000 
Total                                  $3,155,000     $19,300,000 
Budget Status and Source of Funds: 
The Concourse C Vertical Circulation Project CIP #C800547 was included in the 2013  2017 
capital budget and plan of finance. The funding sources for this project will include the Airport

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
October 29, 2012 
Page 4 of 6 
Development Fund and future revenue bonds. As discussed at the plan of finance briefing on
October 23, 2012, the Port plans to issue revenue bonds in 2013 or 2014 to fund a number of
projects in the 2013  2017 capital budget. 
Financial Analysis and Summary: 
CIP Category             Terminal & Tenants  Interior Improvements 
Project Type              Major Construction 
Risk adjusted discount rate     N/A 
Key risk factors             N/A 
Project cost for analysis        $19,300,000 
Business Unit (BU)          Air Terminal Operations 
Effect on business performance  NOI after depreciation will increase 
IRR/NPV 
CPE Impact             Will increase by $0.08 by 2015, but no change to
business plan forecast as this project was included. 
Lifecycle Cost and Savings: 
Through the utilization of 1:20 sloped walkways versus escalators for the primary means of
access/egress; the additional yearly escalator maintenance cost of $100,000 per year will be
avoided when considering the long-term maintenance costs associated with escalators as the
alternative. The six escalators that would have been added would be an additional $100,000 per
year total for all six at current rates (approximately $1,500 per escalator per month). Elevators
for the mobility-impaired passengers are required. 
The new elevators will add a net of $66,000 to the maintenance cost per year. This is the net
result of four traction elevators being added, and one hydraulic elevator being removed. This
addition would still be required for either option to accommodate mobility-impaired passengers
and carts not suitable for escalators. Most important, if walkways are installed, vertical
circulation will not be impeded by escalator accidents, power failure, or maintenance downtime
thus providing world-class service.
We will also be removing three passenger loading bridges at C10, C12, and C14 as a result of
this project. The resources that would have been utilized for these passenger loading bridges will
be re-deployed to support the bridges that will be added to the Port's responsibility as a result of
the Airline Realignment program, and the addition of a loading bridge at gate B1. 
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES: 
The project also supports the Century Agenda goal of "Meet the region's air transportation needs
at Sea-Tac Airport for the next 25 years." The upgrade of the vertical circulation between the
concourse and aircraft ramp levels through provision of enclosed gently sloped walkways and
elevators will enhance the customer service experience compared to the current access/egress via
stairs and limited elevator access. Further, the upgraded vertical circulation will better support
future passenger growth for regional air service passengers. In addition, completion of this
project will facilitate further improvements at the North Satellite as part of the NorthSTAR
program.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
October 29, 2012 
Page 5 of 6 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: 
This project will explore and identify sustainability goals during the design phase. Sustainability
goals to be explored include Energy Star-rated elevator equipment, LED lighting systems,
recycling of demolished materials, use of recycled and/or regional materials for the structure, and
low-emitting materials and products relative to indoor environmental quality. 
BUSINESS PLAN OBJECTIVES: 
This project is consistent with the Airport's business plan objective to operate a world-class
international airport by anticipating and meeting the needs of our tenants, passengers, and the
region's economy. The project upgrades the Concourse C facilities for regional air passengers,
improves operational efficiency, and contributes to the air service growth as part of the
NorthSTAR program. Further, the project contributes to the business plan objective to minimize
long-term total costs of ownership through construction of low-maintenance enclosed sloped
walkways rather than higher maintenance escalators.
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE SUMMARY: 
This project benefits the Airport customers and business partners through improved terminal
facilities, supports environmental goals through incorporating environmental sustainability
elements, and supports small-business participation. 
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS: 
Alternative 1 - Do Nothing: The existing use of stairs and unreliable elevator access at Gate C2
would remain as is. Passenger circulation and customer service would not improve and these
gates would be inefficient operationally. Nothing would be done to facilitate the
expansion/upgrade of Concourse C in this area. This alternative is not recommended. 
Alternative 2 - Vertical Circulation Cores with 1:12 Ramps and Elevator(s): This alternative 
provides for steeper 1:12 sloped ramps and elevator(s) at each of the three gate locations. The
steeper ramps require persons in wheelchairs to be assisted by airline personnel, a lost
opportunity to lower airline personnel costs, and decreases the likelihood of mobility-challenged
passengers using the ramps. This approach results in increased use of the elevators that increases 
wait times/lines at the elevator(s) and reduces passenger loading/unloading efficiency. The
smaller building footprint of the 1:12 ramp structure does potentially reduce the capital cost by
10% and has a less but undefined potential impact on Alaska's regional aircraft operations. This
alternative is not recommended. 
Alternative 3 - Vertical Circulation Cores with Escalators and Elevator(s): This alternative 
includes vertical circulation cores with two escalators at each of the three gate locations instead
of walkways, as well as including elevator(s) as in the above alternatives. The escalators provide
a smaller building footprint than the walkway option, resulting in a lower capital cost of
approximately $3 million and less impact on aircraft ramp space. The long-term maintenance
costs of the escalators over their 25-year life results in a higher lifecycle cost of approximately
$2 million than constructing walkways. Further, the reliability of semi-exterior escalators is
typically less than interior units, resulting in more downtime and use of the stairs by passengers.
This alternative is not recommended.

COMMISSION AGENDA 
Tay Yoshitani, Chief Executive Officer 
October 29, 2012 
Page 6 of 6 
Alternative 4 - Vertical Circulation Cores with 1:20 Walkways and Elevator(s): This alternative
provides the best combination of customer service, improved facilities, and additional capacity
for future airline growth. The gently -sloped, 1:20 bi-directional walkways and elevator(s) at the
three gate locations encourage efficient passenger access and flows between the concourse and
ground levels, facilitating aircraft loading and unloading to improve customer service objectives.
The slope of the 1:20 walkways provides easy access for passengers, encouraging use of the
walkways and minimizing wait times/lines at the elevators. The walkways will be constructed of
materials requiring a minimal level of maintenance, which more than offsets the higher capital
cost associated with the larger building footprint when compared to escalators. This is the
recommended alternative. 
OTHER DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS REQUEST: 
Project Site Layout Overview 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS: 
June 26, 2012  Update briefing on the NorthSTAR program. 
April 4, 2012  Authorizations for the North Sea-Tac Airport Renovations
(NorthSTAR) program for: 1) preliminary project funding; 2) execution of consulting
contracts for design/construction support services and project management services;
and 3) use of Port crews and consultants to conduct regulated materials management
surveys and field support services for preliminary project planning tasks.