U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that $5,169,399 in federal funding is being awarded to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to complete noise mitigation measures on 187 homes near the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. The funding is allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program.
In 2007, the FAA and Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) determined a group of homes eligible for upgrades, in order to help prevent interruptions caused by their proximity to the airport, which have a detrimental impact on property values and quality of life. This funding is for a portion of those homes, the residents of which have been waiting over 5 years for these upgrades.
“This $5 million investment in the NFTA and the community surrounding the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport will go a long way in improving the quality of life for nearly 600 local residents,” said Senator Schumer. “The funding will help address noise pollution from the airport and mitigate the disturbances for nearby residents, who will now be able to better enjoy the benefits of having an airport close to home without as much of the trouble.”
“This is an important investment for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the surrounding community,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Improving the airport’s infrastructure to reduce noise can help improve the quality of life and real estate value for the nearly 600 residents who live in the area.”
The federal funding for the NFTA will specifically be used for the implementation of noise compatibility program improvements. This project will include sound insulation improvements for 187 homes, benefitting 599 residents.