Port Authority Announces School Soundproofing Program

Thousands of Queens schoolchildren will have quieter classrooms as part of the Port Authoritys (PA) $17.9 million program to cut noise levels in 11 local schools that are located in airport flight paths.
Three schools are currently being soundproofed in Flushing, another three in the Rockaways, two in Rosedale, along with one each in Jackson Heights, Howard Beach and in LaGuardia Airport. Work began on the schools in 2001.
However, Congressman Joseph Crowley has called for expansion of the soundproofing program to include schools that lie on the outer fringes of the JFK and LaGuardia air lanes. "We need to do more to assist the entire community," declared the Congressman. "This means expanding the footprint of the noise-impacted area to include many more schools."
The proposed rules would also make federal funding available to include homes, houses of worship and community centers.
Community Board 7 District Manager Marilyn Bitterman revealed four additional schools in her Flushing district that would be eligible for funding under these revised rules: PS 20 on Union and Barclay Streets; PS 24 on Holly Avenue and Union Street; PS 214 on 31st Road and 140th Street; and PS 242 on 31st Road and 137th Street.
Jet Noise
Over 300,000 Queens students attend schools that lie in the paths of an estimated 1,500 planes that fly to and from JFK and LaGuardia airports every day. The borough of Queens averages one overflight per minute, or over 550,000 trips per year.
This special program calls for the installation of specially-soundproofed windows, ceilings and doors, as well as mechanical ventilation systems that permit windows to remain shut during warm weather. The unique equipment usually results in at least a 50% reduction of aircraft noise and lower energy costs.
While the PA administers it, the soundproofing program is highly dependent on federal appropriations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contributes 80% of funding under the Airports Improvement Program. All local schools must meet eligibility requirements set by the FAA and by the US Environmental Administration.
Congressman Crowley has already been successful in including language in the FAA regulations to direct the PA to work toward addressing the noise and air pollution caused by the airport, as well as undertaking a study to qualify local homes for federal residential soundproofing dollars. His district encompasses much of the area surrounding LaGuardia airport.
Schools wishing to learn about eligibility requirements should contact the Port Authoritys Aviation Department at 225 Park Avenue South in New York, New York 10003.