Development News for Federal Way, Washington

City Council Reviews PSE Rate Increase Proposal and Potential Budgetary Impacts

The committee discussed a PSE rate filing proposing multi-year increases for electric and gas services, and its impact on the city's budget. PSE cited infrastructure needs, clean energy mandates, and increased demand as reasons for the proposed hikes. While the city expects to collect more utility tax revenue due to the rate increases, the projected costs for city operations, especially street lighting and traffic signals, are anticipated to be higher than the additional revenue in the immediate years, potentially creating a budget shortfall. Council members raised concerns about the overall impact on residents and the city, and discussed the possibility of formally commenting to the UTC on PSE's proposal.

Sea-Tac Airport's Sustainable Master Plan Update: Public Comment Period Underway

The committee received an update on the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's Sustainable Master Plan (SAMP) process, which has been ongoing for several years. The current public comment period for the state SEPA environmental review ends July 20th. The master plan projects increased passenger numbers by 2035 and proposes 31 projects costing an estimated $15 billion, primarily focused on traffic, terminal expansion, and runway improvements. Concerns were raised by residents, including those living under flight paths, regarding noise and particulate pollution. The update detailed the ongoing SEAR process, public meeting schedules, and the timeline for decision-making by the Port Commission. Next steps include staff reviewing public comments and presenting findings to the committee in July.

Transportation Improvement Program for 2027-2032 Moves Forward

The committee reviewed the 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for adoption. The TIP is an annual update of capital projects, required for grant eligibility, and must be financially constrained. Prioritization criteria include traffic congestion, collision history, multimodal support, community support, air quality, implementation ease, benefit-cost ratio, and social equity. Several projects are being removed from the current TIP, including adaptive traffic control systems and a road diet on South 288th Street, as they are completed or removed. No new projects are proposed for this year due to a full plate of existing projects. Specific projects discussed included a proposed traffic signal at 320th and Hoy, potential roundabout construction at 312th and 28th Avenue South, sidewalk and street light installation near Steel Lake Park, and pedestrian access improvements at the Federal Way Transit Center. The committee voted unanimously to forward the resolution adopting the TIP to the June 16th consent agenda for approval.

PSE Rate Hike Proposals Unveiled, Potential Budget Strain on City Operations

An informational update was provided on the PSE rate filing and its potential impact on the city budget. PSE has filed for multi-year increases for electric and gas services, with specific proposed percentages for different customer schedules. The filing cites infrastructure needs, clean energy mandates, and increased demand as key drivers for the rate hikes. The city anticipates collecting additional utility tax revenue due to the rate increases, but projected expenses for city operations, particularly street lights and traffic signals, are expected to exceed this additional revenue in the short term. The committee discussed the implications for both city finances and household budgets, with council members expressing concern over the rising costs and considering official comment to the UTC.