BP BHEAD INT H

AN ACT Relating to soundproofing programs in aircraft noise- impacted areas; amending RCW 53.54.030; adding a new section to chapter 53.54 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 53.54.030 and 1993 c 150 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

For the purposes of this chapter, in developing a remedial program, the port commission may ((~~utilize~~)) use one or more of the following programs:

(1) Acquisition of property or property rights within the impacted area, which shall be deemed necessary to accomplish a port purpose. The port district may purchase such property or property rights by time payment notwithstanding the time limitations provided for in RCW 53.08.010. The port district may mortgage or otherwise pledge any such properties acquired to secure such transactions. The port district may assume any outstanding mortgages.

(2) Transaction assistance programs, including assistance with real estate fees and mortgage assistance, and other neighborhood remedial programs as compensation for impacts due to aircraft noise and noise associated conditions. Any such programs shall be in connection with properties located within an impacted area and shall be provided upon terms and conditions as the port district shall determine appropriate.

(3) Programs of soundproofing structures located within an impacted area. ((Such programs may be executed without regard to the ownership, provided the owner waives damages and conveys an easement for the operation of aircraft, and for noise and noise associated conditions therewith, to the port district.))

(4) Mortgage insurance of private owners of lands or improvements within such noise impacted area where such private owners are unable to obtain mortgage insurance solely because of noise impact. In this regard, the port district may establish reasonable regulations and may impose reasonable conditions and charges upon the granting of such mortgage insurance: PROVIDED, That such fees and charges shall at no time exceed fees established for federal mortgage insurance programs for like service.

(5) An individual property may be provided benefits by the port district under each of the programs described in subsections (1) through (4) of this section. However, an individual property may not be provided benefits under any one of these programs more than once, unless the property is subjected to increased aircraft noise or differing aircraft noise impacts that would have afforded different levels of mitigation, even if the property owner had waived all damages and conveyed a full and unrestricted easement.

(6) Management of all lands, easements, or development rights acquired, including but not limited to the following:

(a) Rental of any or all lands or structures acquired;

(b) Redevelopment of any such lands for any economic use consistent with airport operations, local zoning and the state environmental policy;

(c) Sale of such properties for cash or for time payment and subjection of such property to mortgage or other security transaction: PROVIDED, That any such sale shall reserve to the port district by covenant an unconditional right of easement for the operation of all aircraft and for all noise or noise conditions associated therewith.

(7) A property shall be considered within the impacted area if any part thereof is within the impacted area.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 53.54 RCW to read as follows:

The legislature finds that agreements requiring property owners to waive damages caused by the operation of aircraft in exchange for noise mitigation measurements are contrary to sound public policy. Therefore, the legislature declares agreements requiring persons to waive damages and convey easements for the operation of aircraft, and for noise and noise associated conditions, in exchange for noise mitigation measures are void as against public policy and are of no force and effect.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.