Passenger Service At Paine Field Everett Getting Closer

The attempt to bring commercial airline passenger service to Paine Field in Everett appears to be closer as today the Washington State Court of Appeals denied Mukilteo and Save Our Communities appeal of a decision to allow Snohomish County and Propeller Airports an option to negotiate terms of a lease of an airport terminal for passenger service.

In March 2015, the County authorized the execution of the option. Soon after, Mukilteo sought judicial review of this decision and declaratory relief. Specifically, Mukilteo sought an order declaring the option void. It also sought to enjoin the County from entering into a binding option or lease for commercial air service facilities at Paine Filed before completing an adequate environmental impact statement (EIS).

Mukilteo also argued that the County violated Snohomish County Code (SCC) 15.04.040(3). This claim is based on the County executive’s alleged failure to include with his recommendation a statement evaluating the relative merits of available options to the proposed option to lease. The trial court granted summary judgment to the County and Propeller, rejecting Mukilteo’s claims.

The court today published the denial of the appeal and now the issue heads back to Snohomish County for permitting.

You can click here to see the full opinion from the Washington State Court of Appeals.

Here is a statement issued today by Propeller...As we prepare to start construction at Paine Field, we’re pleased that yet again, attempts by Mukilteo to prevent Snohomish County from realizing commercial air service have been denied. This decision is significant because the opposition claims were shown to be so baseless that they didn’t even deserve a hearing. Limited commercial air service will bring more jobs and economic activity to Snohomish County, including residents of Mukilteo – not to mention better travel options and competitive fares. This is a win for local residents.