Port, county explore swap of rail line for Boeing Field

The Port of Seattle would acquire Boeing Field from King County and would give the county a 47-mile Eastside rail corridor in exchange under a deal proposed today.

The transportation "swap" would mean the freight heavy-rail line would be converted to a recreational trail. It would bring management of busy Boeing Field, a commercial and general aviation hub, under the auspices of the Port, which owns and operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The deal requires approval by the Port and county commissions. The Federal Aviation Administration might also need to sign off, because airports that receive federal grants can't be sold for profit unless the grants are repaid, Port Commssioner Alec Fisken said.