U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3.1 million in federal Department of Transportation (DOT) funding for JFK Airport’s “Noise Compatibility Plan Study.” The grant helps fund the Part 150 study, which better evaluates noise impacts to the communities surrounding JFK Airport. Schumer and Gillibrand have long supported the Part 150 study, and today the Senators are urging the Port Authority to expedite completion of the study.
“The Part 150 study will finally evaluate the best ways to address noise impacts in communities surrounding JFK airport in both Queens and Nassau. I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has invested millions in this study and I am urging the Port Authority to expedite its completion so that our long sought relief of airplane noise is provided as soon as possible,” said Senator Schumer.
“This funding will help facilitate the Part 150 study on airport noise control at JFK Airport,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Department of Transportation funding would not only assist the Port Authority’s evaluation of the problem, but actively involve the community through public hearings and addressing public concerns.”
According to the FAA, the Part 150 study, also known as the Airport Noise Compatibility Planning, is part of a program that provides a structured approach for airport operators, airlines, pilots, neighboring communities and the FAA to work together to reduce the number of people who live in significantly noise-impacted areas. The Part 150 study requires that members of the public have an opportunity for active and direct participation in the process through public meetings and hearings.
According to the FAA, public outreach has already begun. Through the Part 150 study, airport operators may consider different ways to reduce noise, including changing operational procedures (like take-offs and landings) or routing flight paths over less noise sensitive areas or provide sound insulation for homes, schools and other buildings near the airport.
The Part 150 study has two phases. The first phase involves developing noise exposure maps to identify compatible and non-compatible land uses around the airport. The second step involves identifying mitigation efforts, which leads to a Noise Compatibility Program. Airports that conduct Part 150 studies and develop Noise Compatibility Programs are eligible for federal funds for noise mitigation.
Schumer and Gillibrand have long supported measures to help address the issue of airplane noise in local communities. Specifically, Schumer and Gillibrand successfully pushed for a hotline phone number for airplane noise complaints. And, after their urging, New York State directed the Port Authority to hold regular roundtable discussions in collaboration with FAA representatives and other affected parties regarding issues at two major New York airports. Schumer and Gillibrand have urged the Port Authority and FAA to install additional noise monitors at airports and use the data collected to make decisions about changes to flight patterns.
Schumer and Gillibrand today urged the Port Authority to expedite completion of the Part 150 study so that the issue of airplane noise in the New York metropolitan area can be remediated immediately.