Notes:
The Port Commission hereby orders an assessment regarding the effectiveness of previously installed Port of Seattle funded noise insulation packages be conducted and concluded by the end of the year 2024. The assessment will involve extensive outreach, collection of information from property owners and analysis of that information. Results of that assessment shall be delivered to the Commission by January 21, 2025.
The Commission also directs the establishment of a “Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program” at the Port of Seattle to identify the issues involved in the repair and re-insulation for prioritized homes. Effective immediately, the Commission authorizes an initial commitment of $5 million dollars for this program. The Port will seek state matching funds and federal grant funding (if available) as well.
The Port shall use its equity index or other data-driven tool developed by the Port’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as other program criteria to identify and prioritize properties that will be part of this limited pilot program. The equity index shall help determine who should receive priority consideration for repair and/or replacement of their noise insulation during the pilot.
Upon the completion of the pilot program, a comprehensive report shall be presented to Commissioners, Washington State and Federal Legislators for evaluation and further action.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER
In the 1980s the Port of Seattle pioneered a type of residential aircraft noise insulation program that was later implemented at many other U.S. airports. The Port has recently expedited efforts to insulate various types of residences and places of worship that are eligible under Federal Aviation Administration guidelines but have not yet received noise insulation.
Commissioners routinely hear from constituents that due to several factors, including the age and durability of sound insulation installed several decades ago, some of the Port funded sound insulation packages may no longer be effective. In response to these community concerns and federal noise mandates, this pilot includes an assessment regarding insulation packages paid for by the Port. The Port has not yet identified the number of residents who may have packages not meeting noise standards and in need of repair, which this Order also intends to rectify.
Both past and present members of the Port’s federal legislative delegation have made efforts to secure federal funds for noise insulation in the communities surrounding SEA. The Port has also supported/advocated for legislative changes to address the issue of re-insulation. Since 1985, the Port’s sound insulation program has reached out to every single homeowner within the relevant 65 DNL noise contour and provided sound insulation to over 9000 homes. There are currently approximately 100 homes that have not received packages for a variety of reasons. Additionally, the program is currently providing insulation to apartment buildings, condominiums and places of worship. The Port is committed to completing the insulation of the currently eligible buildings while concurrently making progress to identify, evaluate, and repair packages that may be in need of this work. This Order intends to pilot a solution so that the Port of Seattle can continue to lead the nation in resolving this issue.
This Order seeks to start a process that will, in a deliberate, equitable, and prioritized fashion, provide Port funding to assist in the repair and replacement of eligible noise insulation.
