Aviation-Impacted Communities ActThis bill increases access to noise mitigation measures for aviation-impacted communities. Under the bill, an aviation-impacted community is a community that is located not more than one mile from any point at which a commercial or cargo jet route is 3,000 feet or less above ground level.The bill expands noise mitigation program funding under the Airport Improvement Program to include aviation-impacted communities that are not currently within the 65 day-night average sound level (DNL) standard.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must conduct outreach to aviation-impacted communities to inform them of the opportunity to be a designated community. A designated community must form a community board to provide information to airport operators and the FAA concerning aviation impacts (e.g., aircraft noise).A community board may petition the FAA to conduct a community assessment and, based on the assessment, the FAA must devise an action plan that alleviates or addresses the community’s concerns.In addition, the FAA must enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and provide the FAA with a framework and diagnostic tool for conducting community assessments.The FAA must provide grants for necessary noise mitigation in a designated community for residences, hospitals, nursing homes, adult or child day care centers, schools, and places of worship. Further, the FAA and airport operators must provide (1) noise mitigation grants for communities subject to significant frequency of overhead flights, and (2) noise mitigation for residences impacted by significant nighttime aircraft noise.
If passed, the bill will implement new requirements for the FAA to conduct studies, outline mitigation strategies, and allocate funding for affected communities over the next several years. Specifically, it outlines provisions for sound insulation in residences and institutions impacted by aviation noise, grants for necessary noise mitigation, and the establishment of an assessment framework to evaluate aviation's impact on health and environment. This act will likely increase accountability and responsiveness from the FAA in relation to community concerns about noise and pollution caused by air traffic, fostering a more structured approach towards community input in decision-making processes regarding flight operations.
House Bill 897, known as the Aviation-Impacted Communities Act, seeks to address noise impacts from aviation in communities located near major airports. The bill establishes funding mechanisms for noise mitigation efforts in these 'aviation-impacted communities', defined as areas within a mile of commercial or cargo jet routes where noise pollution from air traffic significantly affects residents. It mandates that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provide financial support through its Airport Improvement Program for communities that are eligible due to high aircraft noise levels. Furthermore, the bill facilitates the creation of community boards composed of local officials, residents, and public health representatives to engage in collaboration with the FAA regarding noise reduction efforts and community needs.
Notably, discussions surrounding the bill could center on the balance between aviation growth and community health. Proponents may argue that the bill is essential for protecting residents from harmful noise levels and ensuring that their concerns are treated with urgency. Conversely, opponents could raise concerns about the potential costs involved in implementing noise mitigation measures, and the discussions may highlight the need for equitable distribution of funds to ensure that all affected communities, regardless of economic status, receive adequate support. With rising air traffic and increased suburban development near airports, the bill may engender debates about effective federal regulation in mitigating environmental impacts while supporting aviation growth.
Transportation and Public Works