Mukilteo City Council members have approved an appeal against an FAA decision allowing commercial air service at Paine Field. Mayor Joe Marine says an attorney hired by the city will file the appeal in Federal Court.
After a three year environmental study, the Federal Aviation Administration determined that commercial flights would not significantly increase noise, traffic or pollution in the area. The FAA also approved a two gate airport at Paine Field.
Paine Field is located in Everett, but borders Mukilteo.
Mayor Joe Marine and other have been outspoken about their opposition to commercial air service at the one runway airport. Marine says commercial flights would put a squeeze on aerospace operations in the area which serve as one of Snohomish County's largest economic drivers.
Boeing also uses Paine Field for test flights but says commercial air service would not impact operations.
Allegiant proposed to start running four flights per week from Paine Field and increase to 20 over five years. Horizon asked to run 140 commuter flights per week from the airport. According to Snohomish County Officials both airlines are still interested in flying out of Everett.
In 2007 Mukilteo set aside $250,000 to fight any plans for passenger service at the airport. In June, 2008, Mukilteo hired aviation attorney Barbara Lichman of the firm Chevalier, Allen & Lichman of Costa Mesa, California. Since then, the city has spent a total of $98,273 for Lichman to research and advise on Paine Field related issues.
Commercial flight at Paine Field still hinges on funding for the terminal. County officials must also put together its own environmental study to give the final 'go-ahead' before Allegiant Air and Horizon Air can begin flights.
Source: http://www.king5.com
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