SEATTLE – Port of Seattle Commissioners responded to community concerns today with significant action on a safety program that replaces over-height trees in the Sea-Tac Airport flight corridor with native, lower-growing trees and shrubs.
Commissioners also crated an unprecedented $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 and replanted in early 2017. The plan also calls for 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 modified Phase 1 work will begin in early 2017 by removing approximately 611 trees planted on Port property and replanting approximately 1463. Native, lower-growing trees, shrubs and flowers the Port of Seattle will plant include:
Next steps for the flight corridor safety tree removal and replanting include:
- In the first half of 2017, the Port will conduct public engagement on options for the Port-owned properties near S 200th St and 10th Ave S, also referred to as P4 and P5 on the Port maps.
- In 2017, The Port will conduct environmental review and design for Phases 2 and 3, which includes trees on property owned by other public agencies, private businesses and individuals in 2017. Phase 2 and 3 environmental documentation will be available and a public comment period will begin in the second half of 2017 at the earliest.
