Press Release
Rep. Cuellar Announces $1 Million in Federal Funding to Laredo International Airport for Noise MitigationFunds will continue to address aircraft noise for residences adjacent to airport
Washington | Charlotte Laracy, DC Press Secretary (202-226-1583); Leslie Martinez, District Press Secretary (956-286-6007),
August 6, 2019
Rep. Cuellar Announces $1 Million in Federal Funding to Laredo International Airport for Noise Mitigation Funds will continue to address aircraft noise for residences adjacent to airport Laredo, TX —Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $1 million in federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program to the Laredo International Airport. The FAA grant will be used to help finance the airport’s ongoing efforts to reduce noise for those living near the airport. As the Laredo International Airport continues to grow, a higher volume of air traffic has contributed to noise for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. The noise program, which began in 1994, allows homeowners within the designated noise area to choose between three mitigation options: the airport can acquire the property, purchase an easement (at eight percent of the appraised value of the property), or insulate the home. The funds will be used for noise mitigation in the residential area near the airport by providing sound insulation to residences within 65-69 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL). These funds will also provide the purchase of residences and the acquisition of avigation easements of approximately 26 residences in Laredo near the airport. The City of Laredo will add $111,112 in matching funds for a total investment of $1.1 million. The city anticipates that this grant will help reduce noise levels for approximately 100 residents. Congressman Cuellar has secured over $14 million in federal funding from the FAA to address aircraft noise for the homes near the Laredo International Airport. Over the last 10 years, Congressman Cuellar secured over $134.7 million in federal funds for the Laredo International Airport. “As the Laredo International Airport becomes a leader in international trade air traffic and a key hub for tourism, we need to ensure that the voices of the surrounding communities are heard,” said Congressman Cuellar. “These funds will provide the necessary resources for local neighborhoods so they can receive much-needed relief from the noise pollution. I would like to thank Mayor Pete Saenz, Interim Co-City Managers Robert Eads and Rosario Cabello, Laredo International Airport Director Jeffrey Miller and all who helped to secure this funding and continue to support investments in Laredo’s transportation infrastructure and economic growth.” Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz said, “As our city continues to grow, we must make sure that our airport is growing keeping up with demand. We’ve expanded trade significantly at our Laredo International Airport. This noise mitigation grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help us provide necessary assistance to residents who live near the airport. I thank Congressman Cuellar for securing these funds and for helping us move Laredo forward.” Laredo International Airport Director Jeffrey Miller said, “I would like to thank Congressman Cuellar and Laredo City Officials for the tremendous amount of support they give to the Laredo International Airport. It is critical for any airport to maintain a positive relationship with the communities that surround them and this commitment of funding to mitigate noise allows for better quality of life for the citizens of Laredo.” |