No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes a pilot program under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) at up to four large hub public-use airports for local airport operators that fund secondary noise mitigation using non-aeronautical revenue. The program authorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, not later than 120 days after enactment, to grant a one-time waiver of AIP noise project eligibility requirements under 49 U.S.C. 47110(b)(4) for repair or replacement of sound insulation in residential buildings previously assisted with federal AIP funds if (1) the Secretary of Transportation determines additional assistance is justified because the prior treatment (installed before 2002) caused structural deterioration not due to owner neglect or caused by low-quality materials that no longer function; (2) the residence is or was in Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) 65-75 decibel contours, with current interior noise exceeding DNL 45 decibels and the new treatment capable of achieving a 5 decibel reduction; and (3) the applicant and property owner exhausted warranties, insurance, and legal remedies. This section also makes federal costs allowable for periodic surveys of previously treated properties (with owner interest) to assess treatment effectiveness and identify eligibility for repair/replacement funds. For projects granted a waiver under this pilot program, this section provides a special rule under 49 U.S.C. 47109 calculating allowable project costs without subtracting amounts previously paid by the federal government. (Thus, the full cost of repair/replacement qualifies for the standard AIP federal share—typically 75% at large hubs, up to 90% or 95% in specified cases—without reduction for prior federal contributions.)