A $59-million FAA program will soundproof or buy outright homes near the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport over the next eight years.
Officials from the airport and W.D. Schock Co., which is overseeing the project, briefed Harrison County supervisors at their meeting Monday. The voluntary program will pay for 1,010 homes and apartments being soundproofed and 122 homes to be acquired.
Additionally, 1,300 home owners will be offered easements that pay for right-of-flyover privileges. The FAA has found that such payments are easier than muddling through potential lawsuits, and a check of $3,000 will record the agreement on the property's title.
Board of Supervisors Attorney Joe Meadows asked whether there was concern about potential lawsuits that might fall out if you shake that tree.
"The people in Gulfport and Harrison County have been particularly receptive to the benefits of the airport on the commercial and military side," airport attorney Cy Fanceca said after the meeting. "Especially on the military side."
The program was doubled in scope after Hurricane Katrina, with plans for offering to buy some homes that were flooded west of Washington Avenue and north of Pass Road. Homes that owners don't wish to sell would be eligible for sound insulation.
The program pays for the replacement of doors and windows, along with attic sound insulation. It can also pay to have window air conditioning units removed and central air installed, with limits per home of $30,000.
Residents that don't want that work done can also settle for the $3,000 check.
"Our client is the airport," said W.D. Schock Vice President Iray Ledoux, "but we work very closely with the residents."
The program would also include business, and the final phase would soundproof two schools and three churches.
Copyright: The Sun Herald -- 7/04/06
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