Port Commission approves 2017 Budget; forecasts 48m pax at Seattle-Tacoma in 2017
Port of Seattle Commission approved (22-Nov-2016) a 2017 budget with USD1.4 billion in expenditures designed to meet the region's demand for Port services. As part of this, the Port forecasts a record 48 million passengers will fly through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 2017. Current projections indicate passenger volume will exceed 9% annual growth in 2016, vaulting Sea-Tac into the top 10 airports in the nation and ahead of the next three busiest airports (Houston, Phoenix, and Miami). The Commission authorised more than USD45 million in environmental initiatives and projects aimed at making the Port of Seattle the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America. In relation to Sea-Tac, efforts include encouraging more people to use light-rail to get to and from the airport,increasing the number of electric vehicle charging stations at Sea-Tac and offering more sound insulation to neighbors around the airport. Other highlights of the 2017 budget related to airport infrastructure include USD16.5 million to enhance safety and security, and another USD4.2 million to improve customer service, for passengers at Sea-Tac Airport. Support for the projects needed to accommodate growth is built into the budget, including the modernisation of the airport's North Satellite and baggage system, and the construction of a new Sea-Tac International Arrivals Facility. The overall capital budget totals more than USD650 million for 2017 and USD2.7 billion over the next five years. Key Accomplishments from 2016 included the authorisation of USD2 billion in capital improvement projects aimed at reducing congestion and expanding quality service at Sea-Tac Airport. The Port Commission also noted: "The dramatic demand for air passenger and cargo service at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, as well as a record season in the cruise business, created additional revenue that is being reinvested in the Port's levy fund and the levy rate is being reduced". [more - original PR]