Senate Bill 1167, introduced by Sen. Patty Murray in April 2023, would allow airports to receive additional federal funding to repair or replace sound insulation previously installed in nearby homes under the Airport Improvement Program. The bill provides a one-time waiver allowing airports to seek new federal assistance for sound insulation projects without prior government costs counting against them, provided the homes fall within the DNL 65 noise threshold or the original insulation caused physical damage. This legislation is particularly relevant to communities around Sea-Tac Airport, where aging soundproofing materials and ongoing aircraft noise concerns have prompted calls for updated noise mitigation support.Open full document
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Senate bill S. 1167 introduced by Senator Murray in the 118th Congress to amend title 49 of the United States Code to allow additional funds under the airport improvement program for certain noise mitigation projects. The bill creates a special rule allowing a one-time waiver for qualifying airports to receive federal assistance for repair and replacement of sound insulation in residential buildings previously treated under federal programs. Eligibility requires the building to fall within the DNL 65 noise standard or have experienced increased aircraft noise or physical damage from prior sound insulation treatment.