Mill Creek may hop on board a bandwagon of Snohomish County cities opposing commercial passenger service at Paine Field in Everett.
The issue was brought up on Tuesday, March 11, as a proposed study session item for a meeting sometime in the next few months.
City leaders in Mukilteo requested support from Mill Creek in the form of a resolution against commercial service at the county airfield — home to the manufacturing plant for Boeing’s 747, 767, 777 and 787 aircraft.
“I think it’s a good idea to reach out to our neighbors and support their interests whenever possible,” Mayor Terry Ryan said. “If commercial service is extended to Paine Field, Mill Creek is right in their flight path.”
Several cities, including Bothell, Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, have passed resolutions against commercial service.
The debate goes back decades, as various community leaders and policy makers have suggested bringing commercial airlines to Everett.
A study paid for by the county four years ago suggested passenger service could be accommodated at Paine Field. It would, however, require a substantial investment from the county taxpayers to finance construction of a new terminal and other facilities to support commercial air traffic.
“It’s certainly something that would affect the quality of life for our residents in Mill Creek,” Ryan said.
Other council members said they’d support discussion on a possible resolution if they could hear from representatives on both sides of the issue.
Councilman Mark Bond agreed with Ryan that helping neighboring cities is a good move when possible.
“If we help them out on issues affecting their quality of life, they’ll be more inclined to help us should something come up in our back yard,” Bond said. “I’m fine with this so long as our information isn’t one-sided.”
Councilman Mike Todd, while willing to discuss whether or not Mill Creek should oppose commercial service at Paine Field, said the issue is pretty low on his list of priorities for the city.
“I think it’s great to help our neighbors, but we have bigger fish to fry here — things that are very important to the city, like our long-term facilities plan and our parks,” Todd said. “I just hope we don’t prioritize this discussion about Paine Field over those things that have a direct, immediate impact on our citizens here in Mill Creek.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
