Agenda Item: 10b_order
Meeting Date: February 13, 2024
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AN ORDER OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION
…setting a timeline for the completion of the assessment of
prior sound insulated properties; creating a Sound
Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program; and
setting equity guidelines for this program.
PROPOSED
FEBRUARY 13, 2024
TEXT OF THE ORDER
The Port Commission hereby orders an assessment regarding the effectiveness of previously
installed Port of Seattle funded noise insulation packages be conducted and concluded by the end
of the year 2024. The assessment will involve extensive outreach, collection of information from
property owners and analysis of that information. Results of that assessment shall be delivered to
the Commission by January 21, 2025.
The Commission also directs the establishment of a "Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement
Pilot Program" at the Port of Seattle to identify the issues involved in the repair and re-insulation
for prioritized homes. Effective immediately, the Commission authorizes an initial commitment
of $5 million dollars for this program. The Port will seek state matching funds and federal grant
funding (if available) as well.
The Port shall use its equity index or other data-driven tool developed by the Port’s Office of
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as other program criteria to identify and prioritize
properties that will be part of this limited pilot program. The equity index shall help determine
who should receive priority consideration for repair and/or replacement of their noise insulation
during the pilot.
Upon the completion of the pilot program, a comprehensive report shall be presented to
Commissioners, Washington State and Federal Legislators for evaluation and further action.
STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDER
In the 1980s the Port of Seattle pioneered a type of residential aircraft noise insulation program
that was later implemented at many other U.S. airports. The Port has recently expedited efforts to
insulate various types of residences and places of worship that are eligible under Federal
Aviation Administration guidelines but have not yet received noise insulation.
Commissioners routinely hear from constituents that due to several factors, including the age and
durability of sound insulation installed several decades ago, some of the Port funded sound
Order 2024-04 – Sound Insulation Order

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insulation packages may no longer be effective. In response to these community concerns and
federal noise mandates, this pilot includes an assessment regarding insulation packages paid for
by the Port. The Port has not yet identified the number of residents who may have packages not
meeting noise standards and in need of repair, which this Order also intends to rectify.
Both past and present members of the Port’s federal legislative delegation have made efforts to
secure federal funds for noise insulation in the communities surrounding SEA. The Port has also
supported/advocated for legislative changes to address the issue of re-insulation. Since 1985, the
Port’s sound insulation program has reached out to every single homeowner within the relevant
65 DNL noise contour and provided sound insulation to over 9000 homes. There are currently
approximately 100 homes that have not received packages for a variety of reasons. Additionally,
the program is currently providing insulation to apartment buildings, condominiums and places
of worship. The Port is committed to completing the insulation of the currently eligible buildings
while concurrently making progress to identify, evaluate, and repair packages that may be in
need of this work. This Order intends to pilot a solution so that the Port of Seattle can continue to
lead the nation in resolving this issue.
This Order seeks to start a process that will, in a deliberate, equitable, and prioritized fashion,
provide Port funding to assist in the repair and replacement of eligible noise insulation.

Order 2024-04 – Sound Insulation Order

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