08.31.15

Cantwell Applauds Grant to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Sea-Tac redevelopment will create 732,000 square feet of air cargo-related warehouse space and 1,072 new jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the announcement of $5 million in federal funding by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) for the redevelopment of lands impacted by airport activities. The completed project will result in approximately 732,000 square feet of air cargo-related warehouse space for new tenants and support 1,072 new jobs.

“This $5 million FAA grant is a big win for Burien and Washington state. By redeveloping this area, we support SEA-TAC’s growing air cargo business, ensure goods are shipped more efficiently and create more than 1,000 new jobs in the region. Smart investments in our transportation infrastructure means greater opportunities for Washington small businesses,” said Senator Cantwell.

"The funds championed by Senator Cantwell support the strong economic development partnership between the port and the City of Burien," said Port of Seattle Commission Co-President Stephanie Bowman. "In addition to supporting our Century Agenda vision of creating jobs through economic growth, redevelopment of this property provides direct economic benefit to the Burien community." 

"This grant award leverages city and port investments, state funding, and the hard work that our community has already put into redeveloping this area," says Burien Mayor Lucy Krakowiak. "Thanks to the efforts of our federal delegation, the funds will help us attract private sector investments and quality jobs to further boost our economy."

Sea-Tac Airport is a major international hub and economic force in Washington state. The grant will provide infrastructure improvements necessary for the redevelopment of land acquired for noise mitigation use into economically viable property use. The Port of Seattle in partnership with the City of Burien, will work to redevelop 66.54 total acres of airport land within a portion of the city’s Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA), an area in Burien heavily impacted by Sea-Tac Airport activity.

Last fall, Senator Cantwell wrote a letter in support of the Port of Seattle’s grant application to FAA Administrator Huerta, requesting the Port and City of Burien’s plans for economic redevelopment be approved.

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