MY EVERETT NEWS

Aaron Reardon’s Facebook page talks of Paine Field progress

It wasn’t an official press release from his office but Friday evening, the following was posted on Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon’s Facebook Page…

Yesterday Alaska Airlines announced its planned routes for flights from Snohomish County’s Paine Field. Unless otherwise directed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Snohomish County will proceed with plans for the development of a commercial air terminal at Paine Field as required by federal law.
However the county’s elected officials personally feel about the decision of the FAA to allow passenger service at Paine Field, it is essential that Snohomish County ensure all requirements under federal law are met. It remains our responsibility to protect the county and its assets from all risks. The county has the legal obligation as directed by the FAA to proceed and make Paine Field available for public use without unjust discrimination.
The county has been patient and forthright in our approach throughout this process. We advocated for an extensive public-comment period and supported a thorough analysis of the potential impacts. To date, more than $500,000 has been spent by the FAA studying the issues raised. We have been and will continue to be prudent and responsible in all matters relating to commercial service at Paine Field.
The FAA previously concluded in its environmental assessment with a finding of ‘no significant impact.’ Unless otherwise directed by the FAA, Alaska’s announcement has no impact on how the county is obligated to proceed.
Regardless of personal perspectives that exist among the county’s elected officials and community organizations, it is my hope that parties on both sides of this issue understand that our responsibility is to protect the county and its assets.

The battle over commercial passenger service is really about to heat up.

The FAA today released its Commercial Air Service Environmental Assessment. You can read the entire document here.. Meanwhile Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson released the following statement:

“With this release of the FAA environmental assessment of potential commercial air service at Paine Field, I trust the Snohomish County community and taxpayers…who own the airport… have a comprehensive, thorough and all-inclusive examination of Paine Field’s potential. The agency has a long history of thoroughly reviewing the environmental impact of aviation projects and withstanding challenge.

We appreciate the exhaustive work the FAA has taken to ensure the accuracy of its findings and we are all aware of the significant resources and time spent studying this issue. We believe that this agency review stands on its own and the community should support it and move on.

Realizing the potential of Paine Field will provide necessary FAA funding that supports and enhances our aerospace cluster which is critical to our local, regional and state-wide economy.

Our Snohomish County airport is a significant regional transportation asset, and it is time to develop its potential with the introduction of regular commercial air service.”

A spokesman for Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon referred all comments to the FAA.

Many Snohomish County officials as well as the Mayors of Mukilteo and Edmonds have opposed commercial service.

What's the latest on plans for commercial service?

Among the agenda items on the second meeting of the year for the Paine Field Community Council Tuesday night is an update on progress toward commercial service. It’s been a controversial topic stretching back more than a decade. Both Allegiant Air and Horizon Air have expressed interest in providing service at Paine Field. In order for that to happen a new terminal would have to be built. While many in Everett are for commercial service, many others in Mukilteo, Lynnwood and Edmonds oppose any commercial service. It will be interesting to hear what the latest is on this ongoing battle. If you’d like to attend, the meeting is set for 7:00pm Tuesday evening, at the Future of Flight. You can click here for a copy of the agenda.

commercial service…yes or no?

The Paine Field Community Council will be holding it’s Mid-Year meeting tonight at the Future of Flight Museum. On the agenda is an update on plans by both Horizon Air and Allegiant Air to establish commercial service from Paine Field. The meeting begins at 7pm and the public is invited. The Future of Flight is located at 8415 Paine Field Blvd, (SR 526 and 84th) in Mukilteo.