SeaTac lawmakers reacted angrily on April 24 to a disclosure by Port of Seattle officials that the Port may take part of Des Moines Creek Park to extend a runway at Sea-Tac International Airport.

Elizabeth Leavitt, Port aviation environmental programs manager, and David McCraney, Port environmental services manager, emphasized that the extension is "the most uncertain" of the Port's long-range projects planned after 2010.

But since the possible extension is part of the Port's master study and draft environmental impact statement, Leavitt said the Port is legally bound to disclose it.

The Port operates the airport.

Councilman Joe Brennan noted that SeaTac was the only airport neighboring city not to sue the Port over construction of the third runway.

He said city officials have tried to cooperate with the Port but he outlined instances where the Port took more land than expected.

"If your word is your bond, I wouldn't want to be your bonding agent," Brennan declared.

He is one of the city's original council members who approved the city's interlocal agreement with the Port.

The city agreed not to oppose the third runway in exchange for city improvement funds.

Brennan added that SeaTac and other agencies have been planning improvements to the park "since Jesus was a little boy."

SeaTac, Des Moines, the Port, King County and the state transportation department have cooperated on several projects to enhance the creek basin and park.

Leavitt said the Federal Aviation Administration may require the Port to extend the runway's safety protection zone.

In a later interview, Leavitt said the buffer for the airport's first runway could extend about 50 feet south of South 200th Street into the park. The east fork of Des Moines Creek would be diverted.

The FAA would require the runway extension if larger aircraft are needed for fuller flights.

She added the FAA could determine that in hotter weather full aircraft would need more runway space with an extended buffer zone to take off.

At the council meeting, Councilwoman Terry Anderson, the other original lawmaker still on the council, commented, "The Port doesn't have a clue what the impact of this would be on SeaTac."

Councilman Chris Wythe characterized the disclosure as "very alarming."

Lawmakers also objected to Port plans to eliminate a pedestrian and bicycle path at South 182nd Street and International Boulevard. Port staffers noted replacing it would be cost prohibitive.

Deputy Mayor Ralph Shape suggested planners take a closer look at keeping the non-vehicle access to the airport.

Brennan added that Port officials should engage in more dialogue with lawmakers instead of just informing them of their plans.

The Port is seeking public comment on the draft environmental assessment for its comprehensive development plan.

Written comments should be sent by May 11 to sepa.p@portseattle.org, mailed to David McCraney, Environmental Services, Port of Seattle, P.O. Box 1209, Seattle, WA 98111-1209, or faxed to Brenda Thomas at 206-728-3188.