SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - People living near Burlington International Airport are expected to be exposed to significantly higher levels of aircraft noise by 2023, according to a new study commissioned by the airport.
The study takes into account the expected arrival later this year of new F-35 fighter jets that will be assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard.
The Vermont Air National Guard is due to begin taking delivery of F-35 fighter jets later this fall. The planes are significantly louder than the F-16 fighters they are replacing.
The new map shows that sections of Winooski, Williston, Burlington, South Burlington, Essex and Colchester will be subjected to higher aircraft noise levels.
The airport’s Nic Longo tells Vermont Public Radio the airport will likely seek between $2.5 million and $7 million each year to help reduce the impact of the noise in about 50 to 100 homes per year.
“Our intention is to move forward every year with grant funding and implementation for the homeowner - and of course this is all voluntary, so if you want to be part of the program, there’s an option for you. If not, that’s OK too,” he said.
The mitigation could include upgrading windows, doors and insulation in affected homes, as well as home buyouts, but it could be several years before the federal money for the mitigation projects begin to arrive in Vermont.
For more than 30 years, the Burlington airport has been working to minimize noise in surrounding communities. Over the years, scores of homes, including 100 in 2015, affected by loud aircraft noise have been bought from the owners and demolished.
Winooski City Manager Jessie Baker said about 40% of Winooski residents will be affected by higher levels of airport noise.
“Our hope is that with new development and new businesses and new vibrancy in Winooski over the last five years, that we’ve created a community that can withstand this challenge,” Baker said.
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