TagNoise Mitigation(208)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a grant to the Port of Seattle to fund noise mitigation work at Olympic Elementary School near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with a maximum federal contribution of $3.9 million covering 80% of allowable project costs. The grant (AIP Grant Number 3-53-0062-131-2013) was formally closed out on December 9, 2014, with a final paid amount of $3,879,406 after all work was confirmed satisfactorily completed and costs verified as reasonable and eligible. The Port of Seattle is required to retain all supporting project documentation for a minimum of three years from the final reimbursement request, in accordance with Federal Regulation 49 CFR Part 18.42.

In July 2014, the FAA approved a final grant payment of $3,879,406 to the Port of Seattle for noise mitigation work completed at Olympic Elementary School near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The total project cost was approximately $11.36 million, funded through a combination of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, Airport Development Fund (ADF) contributions, and Ad Valorem Tax revenues. Port of Seattle Airport Noise Programs Manager Stan Shepherd notified the treasury department of the approved funds and requested confirmation of availability to issue full payment to the school district.

Resolution No. 3683 is a Port of Seattle Commission resolution concluding the 2013 update to the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It directs Port staff to submit updated Noise Exposure Maps to the FAA and implements a range of noise-reduction measures, including school sound insulation, preferential runway use at night, and voluntary rescheduling of nighttime short-haul flights. The resolution builds on previous Part 150 Studies from 1985, 1993, and 2000, incorporating public input and a formal environmental review process.

This 2013 FAA grant agreement provides up to $3,900,000 in federal funding to the Port of Seattle for noise mitigation at Olympic Elementary School near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with the federal government covering 80% of allowable project costs. The agreement, offered September 9, 2013, outlines conditions including the Sponsor's responsibility to complete the project without undue delay, recover any misused federal funds, and comply with federal assurances and anti-trafficking provisions.

This 2013 report from the National Academies provides updated guidelines for airport sound insulation programs (SIPs), helping airport sponsors manage the process of reducing aircraft noise in homes, schools, hospitals, and other noise-sensitive buildings. It covers key topics such as construction contracting, federal funding requirements, and best practices for working with homeowners and contractors on government-funded renovation projects. The guidelines are intended for use by airport staff, consultants, and FAA offices in developing compliant noise compatibility programs.

The City of Des Moines, Washington repealed its local Sound Code (DMMC 14.08.180–14.08.440) in response to reduced aircraft noise projections from the Port of Seattle's Part 150 Study, improved State building codes, and concerns from the development community that the code was unnecessarily burdensome. The repeal does not affect homeowners' eligibility for Port of Seattle sound insulation remediation funding. The city indicated it would continue to support residents through consumer information resources on sound protection options.