SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5504

                    As of February 8, 1995

Title:  An act relating to soundproofing programs in aircraft noise‑ impacted areas.

Brief Description:  Revising aircraft noise impact soundproofing programs.

Sponsors:  Senator Smith.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/14/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  If an airport serves more than 20 scheduled jet aircraft flights per day and is operated by a port district, the district may undertake a program of aircraft noise abatement.

Before any abatement activities are begun, the port commission must determine the nature and extent of the impact of jet aircraft noise on surrounding areas.

No noise abatement activities may be conducted outside the impacted area as defined by reference to each runway and a corridor surrounding it.

Provision is made for various programs for remediation, one of which is soundproofing.  Only owners of structures who waive damages and grant noise easements to the port district are eligible for soundproofing.

Summary of Bill:  Any existing waivers and easements obtained by the port district as a condition to its provision of soundproofing insulation are declared void as against public policy.

The requirement for the structure's owner to grant these waivers and easements as a condition to his or her receipt of soundproofing assistance is deleted.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.