TagPort Packages(148)

A 1998 U.S. General Accounting Office report examined whether the FAA was required to enforce a policy mandating written declarations of local support before awarding noise mitigation grants to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The report found that while FAA policy called for such written declarations from affected cities and counties, neither federal law nor FAA regulations legally required them. FAA officials maintained they still met the broader statutory requirement of ensuring noise mitigation projects were consistent with local plans.

This document presents evidence that the Port of Seattle violated Federal Grant Assurance C.6 and Washington State law RCW 53.54.020 in connection with its FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It compiles 17 items of supporting evidence, including a 1998 congressional request for a GAO audit, state auditor correspondence, findings by Deloitte & Touche identifying violations from 1990 to 1994, and records showing the Port received over $100 million in federal funds tied to noise mitigation commitments it allegedly failed to honor. The materials illustrate the consequences for surrounding communities and governments that held land-use authority under the noise compatibility planning process.

This Home Owner's Instruction Manual was produced under the Port of Seattle's Sound Reduction Program and covers vinyl window and door products installed by CARE-FREE Windows and contractor SKM Construction. It explains how to care for and operate the PVC windows, which are designed to reduce aircraft noise, improve weatherization, and resist drafts and condensation. All CARE-FREE Windows products are backed by a 10-year guarantee covering defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase.

Since 1982, Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Sea-Tac) has received 13 federal AIP grants totaling over $50 million to acquire approximately 750 noise-impacted land parcels near the airport. In addition, four federal grants totaling over $7 million have funded a noise insulation program that has treated 323 homes, with further funding of $3.2 million per year requested to insulate roughly 175 additional houses annually over the next four years.