Flight Corridor Safety Program - 200th Street So.

Airports around the country periodically must remove obstructions as trees and vegetation mature. If not removed, these trees either are or soon will grow tall enough to encroach upon the airport’s airspace and pose a risk to aircraft safety and the safety of the surrounding community in the case of an aircraft emergency. To help ensure safe aircraft takeoffs and landing Sea-Tac Airport, the Port of Seattle Flight Corridor Safety Program plans to remove obstructions, primarily trees, from around the runways.

View of the Southern End of the Sea-Tac Airport

In November 2016, SeaTac area residents gathered to express concern regarding the negative environmental impact this program would have on the surrounding area. The Port of Seattle Commissioners have responded to these community concerns by introducing plans that include replacing over-height trees in the Sea-Tac Airport flight corridor with native, lower-growing trees and shrubs and creating a $1 million fund for the citizens and communities of Burien, Des Moines and SeaTac to invest in environmental and ecological projects and programs.

The Port of Seattle will move forward with a plan that substantially reduces the number of trees to be removed to approximately 611 that are growing on Port property and will be replaced with approximately 1463 native, lower-growing trees, shrubs and flowers. Plans also include more community engagement before determining the removal and replanting approach for Port-owned property near S 200th St and 10th Ave S, where most of the over-height conifers are adjacent to residential properties.

The Port of Seattle will host an Open House to seek public input on the removal and replanting of the southern approaches along South 200th Street and will share information about the $1 million fund to be applied to environmental projects and programs within the surrounding impacted airport communities.

Port of Seattle Open House
Wednesday, Feb 1, 6 to 8PM
SeaTac Community Center Banquet Room
13735 – 24th Ave So, SeaTac 98168
Child Care will be available

For more information, please plan to attend this public forum or visit the Port of Seattle Website.

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