Archive
Photo courtesy of the Port of Seattle
SAMP Scoping
SAMP Near-Term Projects Scoping Report
Attachment 1 – Scoping Information
Attachment 2 – Agency Scoping Meeting
Attachment 3 – Public Scoping Meetings
Attachment 4a-c – Scoping Comments Received
Attachment 4d – Scoping Comments Received
Attachment 4e – Scoping Comments Received
Attachment 4f – Scoping Comments Received
Attachment 4g – Scoping Comments Received
Update as of August 7
The Port of Seattle Commission is hosting a listening session as part of the SAMP Near-Term Projects (NTP) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) beginning at 3:00 on Tuesday, August 11th, at the Port’s office at 2711 Alaskan Way. For more information about how comments can be made either in person or virtually, please click here. Language access assistance will be available.
Update as of July 17
This notice is to announce the extension of the public comment period for the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects (NTPs) at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Taking into consideration requests received to extend the public comment period, the Port of Seattle has decided to extend the comment period by 30 days from July 21, 2026, to August 20, 2026. The draft document is available on the Materials page and also lists specific locations where a hardcopy may be reviewed.
Comments may be submitted electronically to SAMP@portseattle.org or on the Get Involved page. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on August 20, 2026. Written comments may be submitted to: Mr. Steve Rybolt, Port of Seattle, Aviation Environment and Sustainability, P.O. Box 68727, Seattle, WA 98168. Mailed comments must be postmarked by 5:00 pm on August 20, 2026.
The Get Involved page includes information on how to submit comments, including a simple online comment form.
Update as of July 2026
Public meetings
The Port is hosting an additional public hearing with the Commission on Thursday July 9th, with opportunities to provide verbal and written official public comments.
Please note, if you wish to give comment virtually you must sign up to speak by Wednesday July 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. For more information and instructions for giving public comment, virtually and in person, please visit the website here: Special Meeting Jul 09, 2026 4:00pm – The Port of Seattle Commission
July 9th | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
In-person:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Conference Center
International Room, located on the Mezzanine Level
17801 International Blvd
SeaTac, WA 98158
Virtual:
Watch the full meeting live at https://meetings.portseattle.org/
or call in remotely to listen only at +1 (206) 800-4046 or 833-209-2690,
code 777 943 261#
The meeting room is open to the public beginning at 4 p.m. with SEPA SAMP NTP DEIS resources and staff available. The Public Comment period will begin at 4:30 p.m. and continue until 6:00 p.m., and the meeting will adjourn thereafter. Comments made during this time are a part of the official SEPA comment record.
The Get Involved page includes information about public meetings and how to submit comments, including a simple online comment form.
Update as of June 2026
Public meetings
The Port will host a virtual meeting on Tuesday, June 30.
Tuesday, June 30
12–1:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
Webinar ID: 840 1262 045
The meeting will run from 12 – 1:30 p.m. and will include a presentation and time for Q&A. Questions will not be considered official public comments. You can submit a public comment through one of the following options.
Email: samp@portseattle.org
Webpage: www.sea-samp.com
Postal Mail:
Mr. Steve Rybolt
Port of Seattle
AV Environment and Sustainability,
P.O. Box 68727
Seattle, WA 98168
The Get Involved page includes information about public meetings and how to submit comments, including a simple online comment form.
Update as of May 2026
Draft Environmental Impact Statement Now Available for Public Review and Comment
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near‑Term Projects (NTPs) is now available for public review and comment.
The NTPs were previously reviewed by the Federal Aviation Administration under the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and found no significant impacts. The Port of Seattle is now conducting an environmental review under Washington’s SEPA process. The SEPA review builds on the earlier federal analysis and includes additional evaluation using applicable environmental standards and updated information.
The SEPA DEIS and supporting materials are available on our Materials page. Printed copies are also available at SEA Mezzanine Level above Checkpoint 2, Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69, and selected public libraries in neighboring cities. The 60-day public comment period begins May 22, 2026 and ends July 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. PDT. Public comments help the Port of Seattle understand community concerns, identify potential issues that may need further consideration, and inform the preparation of the Final EIS.
The Get Involved page includes information about public meetings and how to submit comments, including a simple online comment form.
Update as of April 2026
On May 22, the Port of Seattle will release the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) Airport’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). This milestone is part of the State Environmental Policy Act or SEPA process.
The document will be posted on this website, and a printed copy will be available at the SEA Airport Conference Center, Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69, and at public libraries in Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, White Center, SeaTac, Tukwila, and Vashon. In addition, supporting materials about the draft SEPA EIS will be translated into multiple languages.
Stay tuned to this website for future updates to learn more and participate in this important process and provide public comment! Click here for information about upcoming public meetings. Join our mailing list so we can keep you up to date!
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
Notice is hereby given that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the proposed Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects (NTPs) at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in Seattle, WA.
The Port of Seattle is proposing 31 NTPs that improve the efficiency and safety of SEA, access to SEA, and support facilities for the airlines and SEA. Please note that the FAA’s environmental review is one step in a continuing effort to evaluate these 31 projects. The Port of Seattle will now lead the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review of these proposed investments, with an expected public comment period in early 2026.
Physical copies are available at the SEA Airport Conference Center, Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69, Burien Library, Des Moines Library, Federal Way 320th Library, SeaTac Valley View Library, White Center Library, Tukwila Library, and Vashon Library. Addresses and more information can be found on the SAMP materials page.
A facilitated webinar will be held for the public on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Access to the virtual meeting can be found here (https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mnxa7RlDTVerq6oLVbkFLw).
The Port Commissioners will be formally briefed at the next Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Commission meeting information including location and agendas can be accessed here. Future in-person and virtual open house meetings for public comment on the Port’s upcoming SEPA draft environmental impact statement are expected to occur in 2026.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 22, 2025
The comment period for the SAMP NTP Draft NEPA Environmental Assessment is now closed. The FAA and the Port of Seattle are now reviewing the comments received and will provide an update in 2025.
If you would like to stay updated on next steps and be notified when the final document is released, sign up for our email newsletter by selecting the Sustainable Airport Master Plan notifications box underneath the “Environment and Sustainability News” section at: https://subscribe.portseattle.org/publications.
SAMP Near-Term Projects Environmental Review Schedule Update
SAMP was completed in 2018. From the SAMP, the Port identified 31 Near-Term Projects (NTPs) and completed the scoping process for the FAA-required environmental review (2018). Currently, the FAA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review is underway and the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) has been released for a comment period which ends on December 13, 2024.
To learn more about the NEPA environmental review process and the draft NEPA documents, watch the video below in English or captioned in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified), Somali, Amharic, and Korean. In addition to the video, you can also view our factsheet in, English, and in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified), Somali, Amharic, and Korean that gives an overview of the environmental review process and airport master plans
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 22, 2025
The comment period for the SAMP NTP Draft NEPA Environmental Assessment is now closed. The FAA and the Port of Seattle are now reviewing the comments received and will provide an update in 2025.
If you would like to stay updated on next steps and be notified when the final document is released, sign up for our email newsletter by selecting the Sustainable Airport Master Plan notifications box underneath the “Environment and Sustainability News” section at: https://subscribe.portseattle.org/publications.
SAMP Near-Term Projects Environmental Review Schedule Update
SAMP was completed in 2018. From the SAMP, the Port identified 31 Near-Term Projects (NTPs) and completed the scoping process for the FAA-required environmental review (2018). Currently, the FAA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review is underway and the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) has been released for a comment period which ends on December 13, 2024.
To learn more about the NEPA environmental review process and the draft NEPA documents, watch the video below in English or captioned in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified), Somali, Amharic, and Korean. In addition to the video, you can also view our factsheet in, English, and in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified), Somali, Amharic, and Korean that gives an overview of the environmental review process and airport master plans.
SAMP Overview Video
To learn more and for a more detailed presentation on findings, view this presentation video.
For the presentation provided to the Port of Seattle Commission on October 22, 2024, view this full commission presentation video.
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 12, 2024
Our federal partners at the FAA have extended the Agency and Public comment period to Friday, December 13, 2024.
How to Submit a Comment:
You can submit a comment at any time throughout the public comment period through our website, via email, or at one of our four in-person public meetings. To learn more, visit our “Submit a comment” page.
UPDATE AS OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2024
SAMP Near-Term Projects Environmental Review Schedule Update
SAMP was completed in 2018. From the SAMP, the Port identified 31 Near-Term Projects (NTPs) and completed the scoping process for the environmental review (2018). Currently, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review is underway, with the draft NEPA document expected to be released for a 45-day public comment period on October 21, 2024.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 25, 2024
SAMP Near-Term Projects Environmental Review Schedule Update
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Port of Seattle (Port) determined that additional time was needed to complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the SAMP NTP Environmental Assessment (EA). The FAA and Port updated the schedule for the SAMP NTP EA and expect to publish the draft NEPA EA later this year.
Once the NEPA environmental review is complete, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review will follow. Prior to initiating work on individual projects, authorization from the Port of Seattle Commission is required.
UPDATE AS OF NOVEMBER 29, 2022
SAMP Near-Term Projects Environmental Review Schedule Update
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Port of Seattle (Port) have determined that additional time is needed to complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the SAMP NTP Environmental Assessment (EA). Due to delays from COVID-19 and other factors, the proposed opening of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects (SAMP NTP) has shifted from 2027 to 2032. The FAA and Port have updated the schedule for the SAMP NTP EA and expect to publish the draft NEPA EA in late 2024.
The Port continues work to complete the environmental review of the SAMP NTP. Once the NEPA environmental review is final, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review will follow. Commission authorization is required to initiate work on individual projects.
UPDATE AS OF JUNE 23, 2022
Since the summer of 2018, the Port of Seattle (Port) has been assisting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with preparation of an environmental review for the proposed Sustainable Airport Master Plan Near-Term Projects (SAMP NTP) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The first stage of the environmental review was scoping which was completed in 2019.
The next stage of the environmental review process is the draft National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA). The Port and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have determined that additional time is needed to complete the analysis needed to meet NEPA requirements before the SAMP NTP EA is published. The Port and FAA are working together to update the schedule for the SAMP NTP EA and will provide information regarding the release of the draft NEPA EA once it is available.
Upon completion of the NEPA environmental review, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review will follow. After SEPA is complete, Commission authorization will be required to initiate construction work on the projects.
UPDATE AS OF FEBRUARY 11, 2022
The Port of Seattle continues its work to complete the environmental review of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects (NTP). The release of the first environmental review analysis – the draft National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) – is taking additional time due to the need for additional analysis.
The Port, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will provide additional updates prior to the release of the draft NEPA EA for agency and public comment.
Once the NEPA environmental review is final, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review will follow. Commission authorization is required to initiate work on individual projects.
UPDATE OCTOBER 2021
The Port of Seattle continues its work to complete the environmental review of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects (NTP). The release of the first environmental review analysis – the draft National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) – is taking additional time due to the need for additional analysis.
The Port, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will provide additional updates prior to the release of the draft NEPA EA for agency and public comment.
Once the NEPA environmental review is final, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review will follow. Commission authorization is required to initiate work on individual projects.
UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 2021
The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects (NTP) environmental review schedule is being extended.
Time is being added to complete a through and rigorous analysis, as well as enhanced coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The release of the first environmental review analysis, the draft National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA), and the accompanying public outreach, which was expected in early 2021, will now occur in mid-2021. The Port of Seattle, in coordination with the FAA, will provide additional updates prior to the release of the draft NEPA EA for agency and public comment.
The Port continues work to complete the environmental review of the SAMP NTP. Once the NEPA environmental review is final, which is expected in early 2022, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review will follow. Commission authorization is required to initiate work on individual projects.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 2020
The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) Near-Term Projects (NTP) environmental review schedule is delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The delay is intended to provide the ability to host effective and safe public meetings, and includes a partial deferral of spending in 2020. The release of the first environmental review analysis, the draft NEPA Environmental Assessment (EA), and the accompanying public outreach, will now occur in the first quarter of 2021. The Port continues to refine the detailed schedule.
The master plan is a necessary step forward for the future of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The Port continues work to complete the environmental review of the SAMP NTP. Once the environmental review is complete, which is expected in 2021, Commission authorization is required to initiate any individual project.
UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 2020
The Port of Seattle and FAA are conducting an environmental review of the SAMP Near-Term Projects.
Forecast and schedule update.
As part of the environmental review process for the SAMP Near-Term Projects (NTP), the Port of Seattle reviewed the original aviation forecasts prepared for the SAMP to understand if the projections of future activity remain valid. Based on yearly activity data since 2015, actual growth is exceeding forecasted growth in a notable way. As a result, the Port of Seattle undertook a forecast update to better reflect the stronger growth being observed. The forecast update was unconstrained, meaning that it projected growth solely based on market demand for air travel to/from Seattle, not considering other constraints on activity. Further analysis of the updated projected growth, and the resulting levels of delay, indicated that without constructing new facilities, the airport would likely experience significant reductions in the rate of growth after 2023. When growth rates are reduced due to delays resulting from a lack of facilities, it is referred to as a constrained operating environment.
The Port of Seattle took these factors into account when developing the level of operations and passengers for the SAMP environmental review. The table below shows the unconstrained forecasted operations and passengers from the most recent update, compared to the constrained level of operations and passengers that will be used in the SAMP NTP environmental review.
Extended Schedules
UPDATE AS OF DECEMBER 2019
The Port of Seattle and FAA are conducting an environmental review of the SAMP Near-Term Projects.
In December 2019 the environmental review period was extended to incorporate feedback heard during the environmental scoping period. The environmental review will include additional topics that the public raised during the scoping period, update the 2014 demand forecast to reflect the rapid growth that occurred in the last few years, and complete the NEPA and SEPA analysis separately and sequentially.
UPDATE AS OF FEBRUARY 2019
Thanks to all who completed agency and public comment submittals during the scoping for the SAMP Near-Term Projects, which closed on September 28, 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Port of Seattle take each comment very seriously and appreciate the efforts each agency and individual took to participate.
The FAA initiated a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) and the Port of Seattle (Port) initiated a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate and disclose the potential environmental effects of the Near-Term Projects.
Comments received during scoping were reviewed and will be taken into consideration during the environmental analyses. The Port of Seattle and its consultant, in conjunction with the FAA, are currently conducting the environmental analyses.
The FAA and Port will issue two separate documents, with the FAA’s NEPA EA coming first and subsequent environmental decision; followed by the Port’s SEPA EIS. There will be an agency and public review and comment period for both documents.As the Port and FAA go through the environmental analyses and better understand the timing of the draft environmental documents, the Port will provide updates on timing and next steps on this website.
