The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the FAA’s approvals needed to initiate commercial service at Paine Field in Everett, Washington (suburban Seattle).  The FAA’s 2012 environmental assessment had been challenged by nearby communities shortly after it was issued, but the court stayed the case when it was unclear whether there was any practical possibility of commercial service.  The court lifted its stay when the Firm’s client, Snohomish County, signed an option to lease property for a new passenger terminal with Propeller Airports.  The Firm represented Snohomish County both in completion of the FAA approval and in negotiation of the public-private partnership with Propeller Airports.  For local press coverage on the case, click here.