This week, aviation enthusiasts around the world are celebrating the 100^th Anniversary of manned flight, and remembering the Wright Brothers’ historic lift-off at Kitty Hawk.

At the King County International Airport (KCIA), staff members are participating in a local celebration of aviation history with the greater Highline community. One of the highlights of the Dec. 16 program is the modern-day debut of long-lost film footage shot 75 years ago, when Boeing Field first opened.

"When our staff was preparing to move into new offices in the renovated passenger terminal at Boeing Field a few months ago, a mysterious reel of 16mm film was found in a box under someone’s desk," said Bob Burke, KCIA division director. "We didn’t realize what a treasure we had discovered, until we were able to convert it to video tape."

KCIA staffers have no idea who shot the film, or how it came to be forgotten in a dusty box. They also believe it may be just one reel of many shot on that historic day. Since it was discovered, the reel has been carefully preserved and copied.

The 100 feet of film features images of the opening day of Boeing Field back in July 1928. Planes – now considered vintage – fly through the air. Crowds swarm the aircraft on the ground. And, old-style title boards tie the scenes all together. The unique window into Northwest aviation history can also be viewed online.

In 1928, an estimated 50,000 people attended the opening ceremonies and dedication at Boeing Field. The airport opening ushered in a new era of transportation in the Northwest, bringing regular airmail delivery and allowing commercial passengers to fly from coast to coast in only 28 hours.

Today, the King County International Airport is home base to more than 150 businesses, including commercial airlines, airfreight companies, aircraft service and repair, flight schools, charter operations and helicopter services. The airport is also home for hundreds of small aircraft owners who rent hanger space and tie downs for recreational and business purposes.

It is also the hub for several educational programs that introduce children and teens to flying and careers in aviation. Starting in September 2004, the Highline School District – with help from KCIA staff and tenants – will "pilot" an Aviation High School.

The airport’s importance to the area extends well beyond its air traffic. According to the latest King County International Airport Economic Impact Study, the airport directly and indirectly employs some 10,000 people and generates $1.43 billion annually for the economy of Puget Sound. The airport is owned by the public and operated by King County, but does not receive any general tax dollars, it’s supported by rents, fees and some FAA resources.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, King County International Airport’s total operations rank it among the Top 30 busiest airports in the country, with approximately 300,000 takeoffs and landings annually.

During the University of Washington winter break between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2, there will be some reduction in service on routes serving the UW campus. During that time, selected trips on routes 65, 67, 271, 372 and Sound Transit 540 will not operate.

All Metro customer service offices will also be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Complete information about the bus service during the holidays is in passenger timetables and on Metro Online.

The King County Road Services Division is currently working on major improvements to Northeast 124^th Street where it crosses the Sammamish Valley between Willows Road and State Route 202. The project includes widening the road, building new shoulders, and increasing clearance for the Sammamish River Trail underpass by raising Northeast 124th Street.

The trail closure will be limited to the area where it crosses under Northeast 124^th Street. There will be large pieces of equipment physically blocking the trail at that point. All users will need to find alternate ways around this section during the around-the-clock, three-week closure.

The King County Road Services Division plans on replacing the bridge east of North Bend next summer. The project has multiple stages, and the first work includes clearing several small trees mostly located on the east side of 468^th Avenue Southeast.

The tree clearing should be complete by the end of December. In January and February, utility companies will be moving overhead lines, and in March the construction crews will begin setting up a temporary bridge over the South Fork Snoqualmie River. Construction of the new bridge should begin in April.