Chapter 53.54 RCW authorizes Washington port districts operating large airports (such as Sea-Tac) to carry out programs that reduce the impact of jet aircraft noise on surrounding neighborhoods, including purchasing properties, providing soundproofing, and offering transaction assistance to affected homeowners. The law defines 'impacted areas' with specific distance limits from runways and allows properties within those boundaries to receive noise mitigation benefits. Recent 2024 updates expand the program to allow inspection, repair, or replacement of previously installed noise mitigation equipment that is no longer working as intended or has caused structural damage.Open full document
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Washington State law governing aircraft noise abatement programs for port districts operating airports with more than 900 scheduled jet aircraft flights per day. The chapter defines impacted areas, authorizes programs including property acquisition, soundproofing, transaction assistance, and mortgage insurance, and establishes a noise mitigation grant program for repairing or replacing failed noise mitigation equipment. A 2024 amendment expanded authority for inspections and repair or replacement of existing soundproofing installations.