Drafter
Clerk 09/23/2021
Title
AN ORDINANCE related to environment, health, climate and community impacts of activities at King County International Airport/Boeing Field; and amending Ordinance 1159, as amended, and K.C.C. Title 15.
Body
PREAMBLE:
King County has owned and operated the King County International Airport since the voters approved its initial funding in 1928.
The airport sits within the Duwamish valley and runs parallel to the Duwamish river. It is located mostly within the city of Seattle with the northern boundary just south of Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood and the airport's southern tip extending into the city of Tukwila.
The majority of residents in communities adjacent to the airport are people of color and people with low incomes. Of the 5,600 residents who live in South Park and Georgetown, 70 percent are people of color, 42 percent are foreign-born, and 71 percent have an income 200 percent below the federal poverty line.
There are 12 playgrounds and play fields, 21 parks, 31 schools, and 61 places of worship within two miles of the airport.
The 2013 Cumulative Health Impacts Analysis published by Just Health Action and the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/Technical Advisory Group characterizes the disproportionate exposure to air pollution, lack of greenspace, and high poverty rates contributing to life expectancy in South Park and Georgetown that is 13 years lower than wealthier communities in Seattle.
Residents of communities affected by the airport operations and business interests dependent on the airport have repeatedly expressed concerns about airport noise and environmental health impacts.
King County is committed to creating economic opportunity for all, stewarding our environment responsibly, partnering with communities, centering equity and social justice, and being transparent and accountable.
King County has historic involvement in the Duwamish valley through the superfund cleanup and remediation as part of the L...

Click here for full text