Sea-Tac Suits third runway/Spokane Airport Resfurfacing /Budget Approved

Airport free to move ahead with Third runway

Suits Against Runway Dropped

SEATTLE -- The Port of Seattle welcomed the word recently that the Airport Communities Coalition is withdrawing from all litigation against the Port of Seattle, including appeals of permits for Seattle Tacoma International Airport's third runway.

The runway project has been assaulted with litigation for over a decade because of concerns about noise and wetlands.

"This is an historic occasion," said Paige Miller, Port of Seattle Commission President. "The airport and the surrounding communities are committed to putting the litigation behind us, and working collaboratively for the benefit of the citizens of the area."

The ACC is comprised of the cities of Des Moines, Burien, Federal Way, Tukwila, Normandy Park and the Highline School District.

The communities around the airport and the Port have discussed creating a new forum for regular exchanges in issues such as transportation improvements and economic development. In addition, the cities, the Port and the state Department of Ecology will have an enhanced level of communication on environmental issues.

Resurfacing in At Spokane airport

Spokane, Wash. --Spokane International Airport (GEG) started work on a runway resurfacing project scheduled for completion at the end of October. Inland Asphalt Company, Spokane, Washington, was awarded the $3.3 million project.

Work is being concentrated on the intersection of the two main runways, which necessitated the reduction of the main runway's available length from 9,000-lin.ft. to 6,000-lin.ft. During the seven days of reduced runway length, some airlines experienced limited seat and cargo capacity due to weight limitations. The degree of magnitude varied from carrier to carrier.

Commission OKs Budget

OLYM PIA, Wash. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved the Washington State Department of Transportation's proposed 2005 - 2007 budget by a unanimous vote. The $3.4 billion budget is based on existing revenues and does not include any new revenue sources.

"This is a status quo budget," remarked Transportation Secretary Doug MacDonald. "It's primary emphasis is on system maintenance and preservation, and delivering the projects legislature approved in 2003."

The budget includes just over $1 billion in operating costs and about $2.4 billion for capital projects. Changes in the operating budget include, among other items, funds to operate and maintain the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge and its toll facility expected to open in 2007; and the addition of one round trip Amtrak Cascades service between Portland and Seattle beginning July 2005.

The capital budget continues work on the 2003 Legislative Funding ("Nickel") Program, preserves and improves ferry terminals and vessels and makes rail track and infrastructure improvements between Vancouver, WA and Bellingham.

Photo Contest Seeks Entries

Have you seen headlines like these in your publication recently?

• Interstates Resemble Asphalt-Colored Swiss Cheese
• Students Learn Biology through Mold Growing in School Air System
• Raw Sewage Floods Main Street, AGAIN

If they do, and if you have pictures to illustrate them, you might just have a "Postcard from the Edge."

The American Society of Civil Engineers is sponsoring a photography contest as a part of its 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. Entrants are encouraged to submit photos that depict America's overburdened and aging infrastructure, such as traffic congestion or flooding. Winning images will be used to alert national and municipal leaders about America's critical infrastructure needs, failures and improvements, in conjunction with the release of the 2005 Report Card, through a special series of "Postcards from the Edge."

Prizes will be awarded in 15 infrastructure categories, as well as a $1,000 grand prize. Entrants can submit up to three digital pictures per category. For additional contest information and guidelines, please visit http://www.asce.org/reportcard/index.cfm?reaction=postcards, or contact Beth Margulies at (703) 295-6407.

Founded in 1852, ASCE represents more than 133,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest engineering Society. ASCE celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002.