Three-Judge Panel Found No Reason To Undo A Lease Agreement

A potential two-gate passenger terminal at Paine Field near Seattle, WA cleared a significant hurdle Monday when a three-judge panel released a decision that will allow the project to continue.

New York-based Propeller Airports entered into a contract with Snohomish County in 2015 to build the facility on a 3-2 vote by the County Council. The City of Mukilteo and a citizen's group quickly asked the court to review the agreement.

But in their ruling, the panel said there was no reason to void the contract, according to a report from the Everett, WA Herald newspaper. In just the second sentence of the opinion, the panel said: "We hold that there are no genuine issues of material fact for trial."

Propeller has three years from the initial signing to design and secure the permits for the two-gate, 29,300 foot terminal. The project could eventually lead to a 30-year lease with two 10-year extension options.

In a statement released to the media, Propeller CEO Brett Smith said the decision was a "wen for local residents."

“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,” Smith said. “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.”

Jennifer Gregerson, the mayor of Mukilteo, said it was "too soon" to determine what action the city might take next, but the matter will certainly be a topic for further discussion.

(Image courtesy Snohomish County)

FMI: http://snohomishcountywa.gov/3651/Propeller-Project-at-Paine-Field, Ruling