Thanks to the work of the ONCC ad hoc FAA Reauthorization Committee, the ONCC forwarded on the Commission's FAA Reauthorization Policy Topics to federal legislators this week.
Dear Senator/Member of Congress:
The O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC) is a consortium of 42 communities and 19 school districts dedicated to reducing aircraft noise within the O’Hare International Airport region. The importance and impact of O’Hare Airport on the region is undeniable. We are enclosing our top priorities for your consideration as you deliberate the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bills before the House and Senate this legislative session. We hope that through these priorities, FAA policies can position O’Hare to be the best neighbor possible.
With these recommendations, it is our intent to focus on policy topics related to noise impacts around O’Hare, including funding for sound insulation programs, support for technological initiatives that help to reduce noise, public engagement and more.
The O’Hare Residential and School Sound Insulation Programs are among our nation’s largest and most comprehensive programs of their kind. Therefore, it is crucial that these programs continue to provide relief to O’Hare region residents. We strongly support continued funding for those programs.
We hope that the FAA will continue to examine and implement, whenever possible, technological advancements and improvements to make the airport safer and more efficient while also reducing aircraft noise.
It is of vital importance that the FAA conducts itself as a good partner by practicing transparency and putting forth a genuine effort when it comes to public outreach and engagement. We hope to see these initiatives take priority within the FAA culture so that residents’ concerns may be expressed and addressed.
For over 25 years, ONCC has believed in replacing confrontation with cooperation by bringing together the city of Chicago and suburban communities, the airlines, the FAA, air traffic controllers, and airline pilots to reduce the impact of aircraft noise in communities surrounding O’Hare. This approach has produced significant results – and we look forward to continuing to serve in that role.
