This 2019 Washington State draft legislation proposes amending RCW 53.54.030 to allow port districts to repair, replace, or upgrade previously installed noise abatement soundproofing structures in areas impacted by aircraft noise. Under existing law, individual properties generally cannot receive benefits from the same remedial program more than once, but this bill creates an exception for properties where soundproofing installations have deteriorated and need maintenance or improvement. The bill also preserves existing port commission tools such as property acquisition, transaction assistance, mortgage insurance, and land management programs for noise-impacted communities near airports like Sea-Tac.Open full document
Notes
Draft legislation prepared by Yvonne Walker for the Washington State House Local Government Committee, dated October 28, 2019, amending RCW 53.54.030. The bill expands port commission remedial programs to allow a property previously receiving soundproofing benefits to receive them again if a soundproofing installation or structure, previously installed pursuant to a remedial program for aircraft noise abatement under RCW 53.54.030, is in need of repair, replacement, or upgrade. Also adds exception for properties subjected to increased or differing aircraft noise impacts. Programs covered include property acquisition, transaction assistance, soundproofing, and mortgage insurance within noise-impacted areas.