DOT 61-04
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-5582
Friday, April 30, 2004

U.S. Transportation Department Brings $3 Million to Oakland County International to Block Jet Noise in Area Homes
Michigan’s Second Busiest Airport Lands $6.65 Million Total from U.S. DOT

Some area residents living near Oakland County International Airport soon will be exposed to less jet noise, thanks to a $3 million federal grant awarded today by the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin fitting approximately 100 area homes with noise-muffling materials like reinforced doors, windows and insulation.

Karan Bhatia, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, was on hand to deliver a total of $6.65 million in grant funding for the airport.

“Oakland County International is one of the nation’s top general aviation airports, and with that comes noise. Our goal is to help foster economic development while helping to improve the quality of life for nearby residents,” said Assistant Secretary Bhatia.

“This Administration is strongly committed to addressing jet noise in the neighborhoods, in addition to infrastructure at the airport – so that the community as a whole can benefit from keeping Oakland County a leader in creating jobs and a major force in Michigan’s economy,” he said.

This latest award raises to $21.1 million the total amount that Oakland County International Airport has received from U.S. DOT for its noise mitigation efforts, which includes construction of airport sound walls, land acquisition near the airport, a ground run-up enclosure to help muffle noise during jet engine maintenance, and home sound proofing.

Assistant Secretary Bhatia reported that the additional $3.65 million delivered today will be used for the phased realignment and extension of Runway 18/36 and the first phase of Runway 9R safety area improvements, which includes the realignment of Williams Lake Road.

The grant funds for Oakland County International are part of $48.9 million in federal funding awarded today by the U.S. Department of Transportation for airports throughout the state of Michigan. The funds were awarded through the Department’s Airport Improvement Program.

Briefing Room