The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has recently launched into Phase II of its three-phase study to inventory and evaluate current and future needs at Washington State’s 140 public use airports. Phase II of the Long-Term Air Transportation Study (LATS) will conduct long-range airport demand forecasts, air cargo assessments and market analyses, as well as evaluate high-speed passenger rail service. In addition, future capacity estimates will be developed for each airport and compared to the forecast demand for the next 25 years.

LATS was initiated in 2005 at the request of the Washington State Legislature. It is a first of its kind, statewide planning effort that seeks to make decisions about our long-term aviation needs.

Aviation is an essential part of our state’s overall transportation system. Airports must plan to meet future demand and new safety requirements while considering environmental impacts. As population continues to rise in the state, there will be increasing competition for land uses that will require decision makers and the public to consider the overall benefits of future airport development for the state’s economic well-being. This study will be an important tool in that decision-making process.

Phase II findings will be released at the end of July 2007. At that time, the findings of both Phases I and II will be presented to an Aviation Council appointed by the Governor, and will help to identify which airports will meet, exceed or fall short of adequately serving the anticipated future demand. Opportunities to learn more about the Phase II findings will occur later this spring.

Please visit the LATS Web page to see the latest revisions to our communication plan and learn how you can get involved: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/LATS.htm.

For further information, contact Nisha Marvel, WSDOT Aviation Communications, at 360.651.6310 or marveln@wsdot.wa.gov.