State Commission gathering input on sites for major new airport and airport expansion
.png "This map shows existing airports and undeveloped sites that could become a new airport. The only two existing airports being considered for expansion are Bremerton and Paine Field in Snohomish County.")
The state Commercial Aviation Coordination Commission (CACC) invites state residents to an online open house and virtual public meetings this month to learn about and comment on its efforts to identify a suitable site for expanded aviation service.
The two current airport sites under consideration are the Bremerton National Airport for air cargo operations and Paine Field in Snohomish County for air cargo and additional passenger service.
CACC is also studying 10 sites in the Puget Sound region as an option for a new airport, according to a news release.
The search was a hot topic in Toledo last year after CACC listed the town’s small airport — Ed Carlson Memorial Field — as one of the top six candidates for expansion. At the behest of locals, Lewis County commissioners ultimately rescinded their support for major expansion, instead signaling that smaller improvements within the realm of general aviation would be welcome.
The state CACC will provide a recommendation to the Legislature by June 15, 2023, for a single preferred location to meet the expected demand for commercial passenger service, air cargo and general aviation, according to a news release.
The commission is considering environmental effects, economic and technical criteria, public feedback and public opinion as it develops recommendations to improve Washington’s air transportation capacity. “The input Washington residents share will play an important role in the recommendations the CACC develops,” the news release says.
People can provide input through an online open house or two public meetings.
The online open house runs through Sept. 9 at engage.wsdot.wa.gov/cacc/ and a virtual public meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31. Visit wsdot.wa.gov/travel/aviation/commercial-aviation-coordinating-commission to access the meeting link.
CACC is studying both short- and long-term strategies to address air passenger service, air cargo operations and general aviation capacity needs, according to a news release.
“This is an opportunity for the state to consider how to meet capacity limits while also planning for the use of innovative technologies and the concept of an airport of the future within the state’s aviation system,” CACC writes. “Incorporating innovative technologies could result in the increased use of sustainable aviation fuels, clean energy production at airports and significantly reduced harmful emissions and noise from airplanes while providing additional commercial air service to more airports around the state.”
CACC was created by the state Legislature in 2019 to ensure Washington can meet future commercial aviation demands.