Port of Olympia unveils contentious airport master plan update amidst community concerns

The recent Thurston County Board of Commissioners meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the Port of Olympia's newly released Master Plan Update (MPU) for the Olympia Airport. Community members expressed alarm over the potential increase in air traffic and its implications for local residents and the environment.

The MPU outlines plans that could allow for up to 630 aircraft operations daily, which includes 315 landings and 315 takeoffs. While some officials downplayed these projections, stating that only a modest increase of 10 to 20 planes per day was anticipated, the plan itself suggests a much larger scale of operations. This discrepancy has raised questions about transparency and the accuracy of information being communicated to the public.

Residents living near the airport have already noticed a rise in aircraft traffic, and the prospect of an additional 50 planes daily, escalating to 315, has caused considerable anxiety. The plan includes the construction of new hangars, a passenger terminal with a 600-car parking lot, and facilities for commercial aircraft de-icing, which could pose environmental hazards.

Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on nearby Milosevic State Park and agricultural lands in South County, as enhanced navigational aids would allow aircraft to approach from the south, flying low over these areas. The MPU fails to address public health risks associated with aircraft emissions and noise, as well as the potential decline in property values for homes in designated flyover zones.

Moreover, the plan does not consider alternative transportation options, such as rail, which could provide a more sustainable solution for regional travel. Community members urged the need for a thorough environmental study, as recommended by the FAA, to assess the potential impacts of the proposed changes.

As discussions continue, residents are encouraged to engage with the process by visiting the newly launched website, stopoleairportgrowth.org, where they can find more information and submit comments. The outcome of this master plan update could have lasting effects on the community, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and involved.