Q1:
Who is paying for the Residential Sound Insulation Project (RSIP)?
Are my local tax dollars involved? Funding primarily comes from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is only applicable to noise treatment programs (not other airport uses). Congress establishes annual funding levels which are assigned to 8 FAA regions. The Northwest Region is currently funding only three noise programs: Great Falls Airport, Seattle’s King County (or Boeing Field) Airport and SeaTac. If the noise treatment funds are not spent at these airports, they will be reallocated to other airports for noise treatment.
The FAA funds 95% of the program with the remaining 5% paid by airport fees and a USBC energy conservation grant from Energy West (for the Pilot project). Click here for a link to more funding details.
Q2:
When is the Residential Sound Insulation Project (RSIP) going to begin? Official project startup began in September 2009 after receipt of Grant Funding. Pilot home construction occurred in 2010 and Phase 1 construction was completed in January 2012. top
Q3:
Which homes are eligible to receive Sound Insulation? What are requirements to get home treatments? Eligible homes are located within the Noise Boundary Areas (see map). download pdf of map
These areas were determined in the FAR Part 150 Study developed for the Great Falls International Airport as exceeding 65 decibels (dB) Daytime Noise Levels (DNL). These boundaries are set and will not be changed.
For the homes inside these areas, interior noise testing must show a home has interior aircraft noise levels of 45 decibels (dB) or higher. Homes must have been built prior to 1998. Mobile homes do not qualify for this program. top
Q4:
What must I do in order to qualify for Sound Insulation Improvements? If your home lies within the Noise Boundary, and fits the requirements, you will be contacted. No action is necessary on your part until you are notified. top
Q5:
Which homes will be insulated first? The homes located in the nosiest (70 DNL) zone will be treated first, followed by homes located in the 65 DNL area. top
Q6:
Who will contact me? If your home is in the eligible area, you will be contacted by RSIP staff. Contact will be made by mailings, group meetings, and one-on-one meetings as the construction approaches.
Pilot and Phase I homes have been selected. Selection of the phase 2 homes is scheduled to be done in 2011. top
Q7:
Can I be reimbursed for recent home improvements? New windows and/or doors added by the homeowner prior to participation in this program are not eligible for reimbursement. Also, any later additions to a treated home are not eligible for future treatment. top
Q8:
Who do I contact for Information?
Project Manager:
Kathy Harris
Stelling Engineers, Inc.
406-452-8600
Email: kharris@stellinginc.com
Asistant Project manager and Homeowner Liaison:
Mike Beckoff
Stelling Engineers, Inc.
406-452-8600
Email: mbeckhoff@stellinginc.com
Airport Project Manager:
Kent Funyak
Great Falls International Airport
406-727-3404
Email: kfunyak@gtfairport.com top
Q9:
How can I get my home included, if it is outside the boundary? The boundary was established and approved by the funding agency (FAA) in a FAR Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study: http://www.gtfairport.com/noise_study/index.html
These limits were approved in 2007 and are not changeable without a significant change in forecasted aircraft operations or an update of the Part 150 Study. Neither is anticipated. top
Q10:
Is there a warranty on products installed? Yes, there will be manufacturer's warranties on the windows and doors, as well as standard warranties on all other products used. Normally, a one-year warranty is provided on the contractor's installation.top
Q11:
What if I want to delay participation in the Program? Do I have the option to enter again later? The Sound Insulation Program is completely voluntary. Homeowners who prefer not to participate initially may ask to be considered in the future. However, re-entry into the Program is subject to available funding.top
Q12:
If I sell my home before the noise treatments are performed, will the new owner be in the program and receive the treatments? Yes, residential properties are deemed eligible for treatments, independent of ownership or length of ownership.top
Copyright 2012 Stelling Engineers, Inc. / Great Falls International Airport. Website by CTA Design. Last updated January 2012
