The legislation would create and finance an independent commission to study air transportation needs and establish a process to choose a site for a new regional airport to serve the entire state. Despite heated opposition in several South King County communities, the commissioners approve the plan. The Federal Aviation Administration allows the third runway to proceed, and trucks began hauling fill to the site. In one of the most serious setbacks for runway opponents, a King County Superior Court judge dismisses challenges to the plan's legality and environmental soundness. After discovering new wetlands on some of the property acquired from landowners, the port halts construction.
Work later resumes.
Local governments opposed to the runway maintain that the project would endanger salmon runs. The state Department of Ecology decides the port's proposal for a wetlands permit does not adequately address environmental concerns. The port agrees to withdraw its application, which can be resubmitted.