LAX SEEKS PERMISSION FROM FAA TO USE PASSENGER FACILITY FEES TO HELP FUND LENNOX SCHOOL DISTRICT SOUNDPROOFING PROGRAM
(Los Angeles, California – January 10, 2011) The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners today authorized Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to file an application with the federal government to use Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) funds generated by operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to soundproof schools in the nearby Lennox School District. Passenger facility charges are fees up to $4.50 collected for every enplaned passenger at commercial airports controlled by public agencies, including LAX.
The application, to be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which administers the program, requests funding for the Lennox Noise Mitigation Program. The cost for the first five years of the program is estimated at $39.3 million, of which $35.3 million in PFC-eligible costs have been identified. The funds would be dispersed to the school district in a “pay-as-you-go” method.
LAWA Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey said, “We’re very pleased to be able to assist the Lennox School District in obtaining funding for its noise mitigation projects at several of its schools.”
The application includes funding for soundproofing of one school readiness center, five pre-schools, five elementary schools, one middle school and three high schools. While the classrooms undergo soundproofing construction, students will be moved to temporary portable classrooms and the application provides funding for these temporary facilities. Also, two “test” relocatable buldings will be included for “impose authority” only. If the soundproofing construction proves to be successful, an amendment will be submitted to the FAA for “use authority.”
Funds collected would be used in accordance with the Executed Settlement Agreement that Los Angeles World Airports, which owns and operates LAX, signed with the Lennox School District in February 2005.
The FAA Passenger Facility Charge Program was implemented and amended by the Aviation Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1990. Airlines at an applying airport must approve the airport’s application. The FAA also must review and approve an airport sponsor’s application prior to a PFC being implemented. Eligible capital projects include those that preserve or enhance safety, security or capacity; reduce noise; or increase air carrier competition.