The Dane County Regional Airport Noise Compatibility Program was approved on July 10 by the Federal Aviation Administration and posted to the Federal Register.
The approval makes the Madison airport eligible for federal noise mitigation funds. The last noise compatibility program was approved in 1993.
Mark Papko, executive director of the airport, said two factors helped achieve final approval for the plan: community participation and Wisconsin’s congressional leaders.
“Aligning the plan with community input was essential for federal approval and I want to thank the community for their patience with this long process,” Papko said in a statement. “We can now move forward with requesting federal funds thanks to the tireless efforts of Senator Tammy Baldwin and Rep. Mark Pocan to ensure the community additions to the noise plan were approved.”
Community feedback at several open houses led the airport to include additional mitigation measures for homes located near the airport. Some federal funding requests can be used to improve individual homes that qualify with upgraded windows, HVAC systems, doors and insulation to reduce noise impacts.
“Getting homeowners near the airport eligible for noise mitigation is a significant win for the community,” Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said in a statement. “Dane County residents spoke up and securing approval for the changes they asked for was essential to the long-term success of the noise plan. I appreciate the efforts both Senator Baldwin and Rep. Pocan put into guiding the updated plan to approval with our federal partners.”
The Madison airport will now request federal noise mitigation funds for both land acquisition and individual home improvements.
“Land acquisition will focus on properties within the higher noise contours and parcels needed for the Highway 51 project, which would support a future extension of Runway 3-21 and allow more aircraft departures to avoid densely populated areas to the south of the airport,” the statement said.
Last year, MSN welcomed nearly 2.5 million passengers, setting an all-time passenger record.
