BOARD OF AIRPORT COMMISSIONERS APPROVES VAN NUYS AIRPORT PART 150 STUDY

(Los Angeles, California -- July 19, 2001) The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) today approved a Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study aimed at gaining federal funding for noise mitigation programs at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), including a $15-million residential soundproofing program.

The BOAC action follows a series of meetings of a 21-member Part 150 Steering Committee during which community members and airport users approved 35 separate noise control measures for inclusion in the noise compatibility program. The Steering Committee will be given two weeks to review the Board's action. The Board will then carefully consider any further comments from the Steering Committee and will take whatever further actions, if any, it deems appropriate before forwarding the study to the Federal Aviation Administration for review and approval.

"We’re delighted and encouraged that the Board has approved the work of the Steering Committee, following over 12 years of research, studies and deliberations," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk. "This is a major step forward in reducing the impact of airport operations on the community and in gaining federal reimbursement for the airport’s existing residential soundproofing program."

The VNY residential soundproofing program, launched in February 2000, will be phased over the next five years. An estimated 1,050 dwelling units located in areas with a recorded Community Noise Equivalent Level of 65 decibels or higher are eligible for the program. Improvements include installation of double-paned windows, solid-core doors, wall and attic insulation, and air conditioning.

Van Nuys Airport has implemented several of the other proposed noise control measures contained in the study, including implementation of a Quiet Jet Departure Program, installation of a state-of-the-art noise monitoring and tracking system and establishment of a VNY noise abatement office.

Van Nuys Airport is one of four airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, which also includes Los Angeles International, Ontario International, and Palmdale Regional Airports.

(RF - 7/19/01)