FAA Schedules Third Hearing On Environmental Assessment

The FAA has scheduled a third public hearing on a draft environmental assessment that could lead to commercial airline service at Paine Field, Boeing's home airport.

Two airlines, Horizon Air and Allegiant, would like to begin regional service from Paine Field. A formal request by the two airlines initiated the environmental review. While  Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and some other county officials say they are opposed to the proposal, they are required by federal law to make accommodations for those services at Paine. The county may not prohibit passenger service at the airport, and it is required to negotiate "in good faith" with the airlines.

The Edmonds, Washington "Beacon" reports that for commercial service to begin, the FAA would have to amend the county's operating certificate for the airport, as well as operating specifications for the airlines. Horizon Air would like to offer four daily flights to Portland, and Allegiant hopes to offer two daily flights to Las Vegas.

The environmental assessment, which was funded by an FAA grant, was prepared at a cost that is expected to reach $450,000 by the time the reviews are completed. The hearing is set for Jan. 21, 2010, at the Lynnwood Convention Center, and the public comment period will be extended to February 5, 2010.

FMI: www.faa.gov