In 2015, FAA officials exchanged emails explaining how federal Airport Improvement Program grant funds were used to replace the Olympic Elementary School in the Highline School District near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Because Olympic fell within the airport's 65 DNL noise zone but was deemed not worth insulating, the FAA allowed approximately $3.9 million in noise-mitigation funds to offset construction of the new Marvista Elementary School instead. The exchange was prompted by a Washington State Auditor inquiry questioning whether Davis-Bacon Act and other federal compliance requirements applied, given that the grant was awarded after the construction project had already been completed.Open full document
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An email chain between FAA officials and a Washington State Auditor regarding the Airport Improvement Program grant 3-53-0062-131 issued to the Highline School District for the North Hill/Marvista project. Peter Doyle of the Seattle Airports District Office explains the methodology used to fund the Marvista Elementary School replacement project by closing the Olympic school under the Memoranda of Agreement for Sound Insulation. The exchange also addresses concerns raised by the State Auditor about Davis-Bacon Act and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirements.