Workshop and hearing on commercial air service is Monday
Published 1:30 am Friday, October 26, 2018
LYNNWOOD — One of the final steps before Paine Field can be cleared for commercial airline service will take place Monday night at the Lynnwood Convention Center.
That’s when the Federal Aviation Administration will hold an information session and public hearing on the impact of proposed commercial flights at the Snohomish County-owned airport.
The agency is required to seek public comments on a supplemental environmental study it released last month.
That report found no significant issues that need to be addressed.
Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have proposed a combined 24 flights per day to cities throughout the West from Everett.
An expired 2012 assessment reached a similar conclusion, but it evaluated the impact of fewer airlines and only 12 flights per day.
The new two-gate terminal at Paine Field in Everett is nearing completion.
The FAA workshop and public hearing will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Lynnwood Convention Center, 3711 196th St. SW in Lynnwood.
Participants can speak with the study team from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and comment on the report from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
In the past, there has been community opposition to passenger service at Paine Field, with increased noise and traffic cited most frequently as concerns.
Economic Alliance Snohomish County recently described commercial air service “as a key economic asset to attract and retain jobs.”
Sometime after public comment, the FAA is expected to issue a decision ratifying the report’s findings or requiring more scrutiny. The agency will continue to accept written comments through Friday, Nov. 2
Comments can also be mailed to the firm that prepared the report for the FAA: Environmental Science Associates; Paine Field Supplemental EA; 5309 Shilshole Ave. NW, Suite 200; Seattle, WA 98107.
The draft environmental assessment can be viewed at the Paine Field administrative office and public libraries in Everett, Mukilteo and Lynnwood.
