# Presentation: 157112

## Management of Land Acquired Under the Noise Compatibility Program

**Rick Etter **
**Airports Acquisition Specialist**
**FAA Office of Airports Planning and Programming **
**(202) 267-8773   rick.etter@faa.gov**

**31****st**** Annual Airport Conference**
**March 18, 2008**
**Hershey, Pennsylvania**

## Management of Acquired Noise Land

***Why is land acquired for Noise Compatibility?***
*Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program*
*Mitigation of Development Project Impact*
***FAA requirements to manage acquired noise land?***
*Acquired Noise Land is Different than Airport Development Land*
*Grant Assurance #31 / Special Conditions*
*OIG Audit*
*FAA Program Guidance Letter (PGL 08-02 CHG 1)*
***What is the Sponsor required to do?***
*Inventory the Acquired Land. (Verify with Exhibit A’s / field inspection)*
*In consultation with FAA develop a reuse plan – Screen to Retain Land Needed for Noise Compatibility / Identify Reuse of Unneeded Land *
*Sponsor’s options to dispose of Unneeded Land. *
*Use of Proceeds on the Sale of Unneeded Land.*
***FAA Oversight and Acceptance of Inventory and Re-use Plans.***

**Management of Acquired Noise Land**

## Why is land acquired for Noise Compatibility?

- For Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Programs (NCP)
- 	FAA funds acquisition of land for noise compatibility:
- Buy-out of homes within the 65 dB DNL or greater contour  (as shown on approved NEM) and relocate homeowners to comparable replacement homes outside of the airport noise contours.
- Purchase of vacant land subject to non-compatible (residential) development.
- Purchase of Easements to Prevent Incompatible Development (if cost effective).
- Acquired land is retained for noise compatibility purposes and when no longer needed is disposed for redevelopment/re-use to airport compatible land use (noise and operational compatibility).
- And For Mitigation of Development Projects
- Same as Above, but funded for compatibility to project effects

## FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.

**Airport Development land (AIP Eligible or Non-AIP Eligible****)**
- 	Obligated land needed for operations, airport development or to remove or  mitigate an existing airport hazard or prevent or limit the creation of a new airport hazard. (49 USC 47102(3)(C)).
*Land Devoted to Aeronautical use in Perpetuity*
*FAA Land Release & ALP Change required to Dispose (change use/ sell) .*
*Public Notice of Release (Federal Register Notice) & No loss in Value to Aviation System (at least Fair Market Value) on Disposal/Change in Use*
**Acquired Noise Land (if Funded with AIP or PFC)**
- 	Eligible land acquired for airport noise compatibility programs or noise mitigation.  When the acquired land is no longer needed to be retained for noise compatibility,  the land is disposed for compatible land use. Disposal may be:
*Conversion or Exchange for AIP Eligible Airport Use/Development Land, or*
*Conversion or Exchange for Non-AIP Eligible Airport Use/Development Land, or*
*Market Sale / Lease of the Land for Redevelopment to Compatible Land Use*

_***Acquired Noise Land is Different than Airport Development Land!***_

## Grant Assurance #31 (49 USC 47107(c)(2)) currently requires that airports:
Dispose of land at no less than the fair market value at earliest practical time after land no longer needed for noise compatibility. (option to convert to airport use land)
Retain an interest (easement, deed restriction, etc) in the land disposed to ensure compatible land use 
Apply FAA grant share of land acquisition to proceeds of land disposal and reinvest in eligible noise projects or return to Trust Fund 

Special Condition Y, Appendix 7, FAA Order 5100-38C, AIP Handbook.  (Grants issued beginning in 2006)
	ACQUISITION OF NOISE LAND:  The Sponsor hereby agrees that upon completion of the land acquisition in this project, it will prepare a Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan to standards satisfactory to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and submit said documentation in final form to the FAA.  It is further mutually agreed that the reasonable cost of developing said Noise Land Inventory and Reuse/Disposal Plan is an eligible administrative cost for participation within the scope of this project.

**Dispose of land at no less than the fair market value at earliest practical time after land no longer needed for noise compatibility. (option to convert to airport use land)**
**Retain an interest (easement, deed restriction, etc) in the land disposed to ensure compatible land use **
**Apply FAA grant share of land acquisition to proceeds of land disposal and reinvest in eligible noise projects or return to Trust Fund **
***Special Condition Y, Appendix 7, FAA Order 5100-38C, AIP Handbook.  (******Grants issued beginning in 2006)***
***	******ACQUISITION OF NOISE LAND:  The Sponsor hereby agrees that upon completion of the land acquisition in this project, it will prepare a Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan to standards satisfactory to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and submit said documentation in final form to the FAA.  It is further mutually agreed that the reasonable cost of developing said Noise Land Inventory and Reuse/Disposal Plan is an eligible administrative cost for participation within the scope of this project.***

***FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.***

## “Management of Land Acquired Under 

***In September 2005, the Office of Inspector General ***
***issued an audit report:***
***“******Management of Land Acquired Under ***
***Airport Noise Compatibility Programs”***
***Audit focused on three areas:***
***	******- Identifying land no longer needed for noise compatibility purpose***
***	******- Disposing of noise land through sales, leases, or other means***
***	******- Ensuring that proceeds from disposed land is used for other noise ******	******  compatibility projects or is returned to the Trust Fund***
***Audit Report is On-line at http://www.oig.dot.gov/item.isp?id=1668***

***FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.***

## FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.

***FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.***

***“******OIG Findings: Management of Land Acquired Under Airport Noise Compatibility Programs”***
***The Airports they reviewed “were not in compliance with grant requirements”***
**- ****	****“Airports have not disposed of sizable amounts of unneeded noise land”**
**-****	****“Airports are improperly using noise proceeds from noise land dispositions”**
***“******FAA Program Oversight and Guidance Needed Strengthening”***

## FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.

***FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.***

**FAA Actions to Clear Audit**
**Collect Past Due Funds at Airports Cited by OIG.****(11 Airports Prioritized by Amount of Noise Grants)**
**Issue Guidance /Monitor to Ensure Adequate Management **
- Grant Condition Requiring Inventory and Reuse Plan
- Draft Guidance issued in June 2007 to Industry
- Comments were received in July/August
- Program Guidance Letter PGL-08-02 issued February 2008
- FAA Regions and ADO’s to work with sponsor’s to submit Land Inventory and Re-use Plans (August 2008 on 11Airports, October 2009 on other 100 +/- programs)
- Unneeded land disposed - Ongoing

## FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.

***FAA Requirements to Manage Noise Land.***

***PGL 08-02 Management of Acquired Noise Land ***
***Inventory –  Reuse - Disposal***
_**SECTION 1. OBLIGATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACQUISITION OF NOISE LAND**_
_**SECTION 2. MANAGEMENT OF NOISE LAND**_
***Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan. ***
_**SECTION 3. RETAINING NOISE LAND**_
***A. Defining “No Longer Needed for Noise Compatibility.”***
***B. Reserving Adequate Property Rights to Prevent Incompatible Land Use***_**.**_
_**SECTION 4. DISPOSAL OF UNNEEDED NOISE LAND.**_
_**SECTION 5. USE OF DISPOSAL PROCEEDS**_
_**SECTION 6. FAA OVERSIGHT OF NOISE LAND**_
_**SECTION 7. COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING**_
_**ATTACHMENT A:  LAND USE COMPATIBILITY**_
_**ATTACHMENT B:  REQUIREMENTS FOR NOISE LAND INVENTORY**_
_**ATTACHMENT C: REQUIREMENTS FOR REUSE PLAN**_
_**ATTACHMENT D: APPRAISAL SCOPE OF WORK STATEMENT**_
_**ATTACHMENT E:  SAMPLE ESCROW ACCOUNT**_

- 	Prepare an inventory of Acquired Noise Land.
- Include a schedule of all acquired noise land (should be the same as the Noise Land Grant Exhibit A)  Show:
- Current Status per approved Reuse Plan;  e.g. Sold, leased, retained for noise compatibility, converted to AIP eligible use, converted to aeronautical related (revenue producing)
- APN other Recordation Data on Sold Redevelopment Parcels
- Include an aerial photo / map of acquired land, Show:
- Noise Contour shown (latest approved NEM)
- Airport Development / Aeronautical Use Parcels Outlined
- Redevelopment Parcels Outlined (to be disposed or disposed)
- Retained easements, deed covenants, other retained property rights

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

## Re-Use Plan Guidance

- The Airport Sponsor in consultation with the FAA District Office and Region will submit the following for FAA Acceptance
- Part A:  Identify acquired parcels Needed for Noise Compatibility
- Part B:  Identify Unneeded land to be disposed by Market Sale
- Include and update as disposal of redevelopment parcels progresses.  Show appraised FMV information and sales proceeds when disposed.
- Part C:  Identify Unneeded land to be incorporated as eligible Airport development land or used as airport owned Aeronautical related revenue producing land.
- ALP changes required to incorporate land.  Applicable Environmental documentation completed.
- FAA will accept and monitor Sponsor compliance with the Grant Assurance.

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

## Frequently Misunderstood Items – No Longer Needed  for Noise Compatibility

**Frequently Misunderstood Items – No Longer Needed  for Noise Compatibility**

** ****Determine the Noise Contour for the Parcel**

**2. Determine if the parcel can be developed compatibly**

**Can/Has**
**The Parcel Been**
**Developed?**

**Within the **
**75 db **
** ****Contour?**

**Can/Has**
**The Parcel Been**
**Developed?**

**Within a **
**locally-adopted **
**Noise Buffer?**

**Undeveloped **
**Parcel May**
**Still be needed**
**For noise **
**Compatibility**
**If it cannot **
**Be reasonably**
**developed**

**Yes**

**Yes**

**No**

**No**

**Yes**

**Yes**

**Parcel is no longer needed for **
**Noise compatibility – begin**
**Determination/Verification of **
**Compatible Land Use and **
**Means of Disposal**

## Disposed of Unneeded Noise Land:
Disposal  does not mean that an airport has to sell the property.
Disposal is simply getting the land “off the noise land books” (including dealing with the proceeds, of course)
It is the airport sponsor’s decision how to dispose (subject to FAA acceptance).  
Disposal by Exchange
Disposal by Sale
Disposal by Conversion to AIP Eligible Airport Development Land
Disposal Through Long Term Lease or Conversion to AIP-ineligible airport –owned land
Disposal of unneeded noise land is not a land release that requires public notice or FAA letter of release.  Disposal of Noise Land requires FAA acceptance of Inventory and Reuse Plan.

- Disposal  does not mean that an airport has to sell the property.
- Disposal is simply getting the land “off the noise land books” (including dealing with the proceeds, of course)
- It is the airport sponsor’s decision how to dispose (subject to FAA acceptance).
**Disposal by Exchange**
**Disposal by Sale**
**Disposal by Conversion to AIP Eligible Airport Development Land**
**Disposal Through Long Term Lease or Conversion to AIP-ineligible airport –owned land**
**Disposal of unneeded noise land is not a land release that requires public notice or FAA letter of release.  Disposal of Noise Land requires FAA acceptance of Inventory and Reuse Plan.**

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

## Protecting Future Options
If land is needed for future airport projects (not necessarily needed for AIP-eligible development though) and the land is not needed for noise land, making the airport dispose of the land might just mean that the land has to be bought again in the future ...  
True, but FAA does not require an airport to sell off land that isn’t needed for noise compatibility.  Airports can “buy” the land for non-eligible development, can short-term lease the land, or use other means of disposal that protects their future options.  (Remember, we have to get the land off the “noise books” if it is not needed for noise compatibility)

**Frequently Misunderstood Items**

- Protecting Future Options
- If land is needed for future airport projects (not necessarily needed for AIP-eligible development though) and the land is not needed for noise land, making the airport dispose of the land might just mean that the land has to be bought again in the future ...
- True, but FAA does not require an airport to sell off land that isn’t needed for noise compatibility.  Airports can “buy” the land for non-eligible development, can short-term lease the land, or use other means of disposal that protects their future options.  (Remember, we have to get the land off the “noise books” if it is not needed for noise compatibility)

## Fair Market Value Standard for Land Disposal

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

**Sale or Lease of the Unneeded Land Must be at FMV $$$**
**Statutory Requirement, per Assurance 31:**
*** ******T******he airport sponsor will dispose of ******l******and that was purchased under a grant for airport noise compatibility purposes, when the land is no longer needed for such purposes (or eligible airport purposes*), at fair market value, at the earliest practicable time.***
****PGL 08-02 Clarifies Land Retention Eligibility***

**Notes:**
9.	You may want to mention that there are different delivery methods being used in the industry. Most of the programs are using a ‘bulk bidding’ method where groups of homes are assembled into bid packages for contractors to bid on. There are a few programs that are utilizing a ‘single parcel method’ where each home is bid separately (often with the homeowner selecting contractors to prepare bids from a pre-approved list). In each of these cases, the airport sponsor holds the contract with the construction contractor. An emerging delivery method is a type of design build where the sponsor’s consultant holds the construction contracts (San Antonio International is utilizing this method). Tulsa was also using this method, but had encountered several issues including a very costly program, limited control over the program, and communication issues with their consultant. We were recently selected there to replace the prior consultant and have converted the program to a more traditional program where the sponsor will hold the contracts. I think this could prompt an interesting dialogue from the FAA staff in attendance about the pros and cons they see in the delivery methods used around the country. 

## Airport must retain adequate property rights and restrictions on the use and development of the land:

-   Enforceable Easement and/or Deed Restriction Must be Recorded With or Prior to any Sale or Lease of Excess Noise Land.
-   Land is Appraised Subject to Retained Rights & Development Restrictions.
-  Land use or development not compatible with Airport Use or Operations Prohibited
-  Current FAA / Airports Cooperative Research Project on enforcement of compatible land use restrictions: easements, deed restrictions/covenants....

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

**Notes:**
9.	You may want to mention that there are different delivery methods being used in the industry. Most of the programs are using a ‘bulk bidding’ method where groups of homes are assembled into bid packages for contractors to bid on. There are a few programs that are utilizing a ‘single parcel method’ where each home is bid separately (often with the homeowner selecting contractors to prepare bids from a pre-approved list). In each of these cases, the airport sponsor holds the contract with the construction contractor. An emerging delivery method is a type of design build where the sponsor’s consultant holds the construction contracts (San Antonio International is utilizing this method). Tulsa was also using this method, but had encountered several issues including a very costly program, limited control over the program, and communication issues with their consultant. We were recently selected there to replace the prior consultant and have converted the program to a more traditional program where the sponsor will hold the contracts. I think this could prompt an interesting dialogue from the FAA staff in attendance about the pros and cons they see in the delivery methods used around the country. 

## Must Appraise FMV of Land

- PGL 08-02 Attachment D – Sample Appraisal Scope of Work
- Land is Assembled for Redevelopment and Appraised at its Highest and Best Use
- Land may be valued as Raw Land, prior to any infrastructure or zoning changes, BUT Appraiser MUST Anticipate a Zoning Change and Market Demand for the Redevelopment of the Land.
- If zoning and redevelopment approvals are in place, land may be valued as entitled buildable lots
- Land is Appraised Subject To Retained Property Rights
- (avigation easement or deed covenants to prevent incompatible development)
- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and  FAA Appraisal Requirements Stated for Scope of Work

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

## Sales Proceeds must be applied to Eligible Noise Compatibility Programs

**Per Grant Assurance #31, The sponsor must reinvest the Federal  share of net land sales proceeds (or long term lease value / or gains on exchanges)  in eligible noise projects or return to Trust Fund.**
**For Example:  Suppose 5 acres of unneeded land was sold for $1,000,000.  Eligible sales and development expenses total $200,000. Net Proceeds are $800,000. The land acquisition was funded at 80% by FAA, and therefore 80% of the $800,000 or $640,000 must be reinvested in noise projects at the airport.**
***(Same bottom line applying 80% to expenses and deducting from Federal share of acquisition cost:  $800,000 - $160,000 = $640,000 net proceeds)***

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

**Notes:**
9.	You may want to mention that there are different delivery methods being used in the industry. Most of the programs are using a ‘bulk bidding’ method where groups of homes are assembled into bid packages for contractors to bid on. There are a few programs that are utilizing a ‘single parcel method’ where each home is bid separately (often with the homeowner selecting contractors to prepare bids from a pre-approved list). In each of these cases, the airport sponsor holds the contract with the construction contractor. An emerging delivery method is a type of design build where the sponsor’s consultant holds the construction contracts (San Antonio International is utilizing this method). Tulsa was also using this method, but had encountered several issues including a very costly program, limited control over the program, and communication issues with their consultant. We were recently selected there to replace the prior consultant and have converted the program to a more traditional program where the sponsor will hold the contracts. I think this could prompt an interesting dialogue from the FAA staff in attendance about the pros and cons they see in the delivery methods used around the country. 

## Eligible Sale Expenses – Per AIP Handbook / Guidance

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

**Paragraph 811 a. **
**(3) **Costs attributable to preparing land for resale may be deducted from the proceeds of disposal, but are not allowable costs under a grant. Such costs may include, but are not limited to, rezoning, replatting and upgrading of utilities and services (infrastructure cost acceptable only to the extent that it may be shown to be cost effective, e.g. up to the increase in land value).
**(4) **Costs associated with holding land are not allowable under a grant, nor may they be deducted from the proceeds of resale. Such holding costs may include, but are not limited to, property taxes assessed against the sponsor during the period of ownership, charges for utilities and public services, insurance, financing charges, and assessments.

**Notes:**
9.	You may want to mention that there are different delivery methods being used in the industry. Most of the programs are using a ‘bulk bidding’ method where groups of homes are assembled into bid packages for contractors to bid on. There are a few programs that are utilizing a ‘single parcel method’ where each home is bid separately (often with the homeowner selecting contractors to prepare bids from a pre-approved list). In each of these cases, the airport sponsor holds the contract with the construction contractor. An emerging delivery method is a type of design build where the sponsor’s consultant holds the construction contracts (San Antonio International is utilizing this method). Tulsa was also using this method, but had encountered several issues including a very costly program, limited control over the program, and communication issues with their consultant. We were recently selected there to replace the prior consultant and have converted the program to a more traditional program where the sponsor will hold the contracts. I think this could prompt an interesting dialogue from the FAA staff in attendance about the pros and cons they see in the delivery methods used around the country. 

## Use of Sale Proceeds – Per AIP Handbook / Guidance 

- What is the Sponsor Required to Do?

** ****Section 2. NOISE COMPATIBILITY PROJECTS **
**810. GENERAL. **
**a. **Eligible noise compatibility projects generally fall into the following categories: land acquisition (including relocation assistance), noise insulation, runway and taxiway construction (including associated land acquisition, lighting and NAVAIDs), noise monitoring equipment, noise barriers and other Part 150 approved noise abatement/compatibility measures. Sponsors may from time to time propose .....
**b. **Noise compatibility projects usually are located in areas where aircraft noise exposure is significant, as measured in day-night average sound level (DNL) of 65 decibels (dB) or greater. However, projects may ....also be approved and made eligible in areas of less noise exposure. ...

**Notes:**
9.	You may want to mention that there are different delivery methods being used in the industry. Most of the programs are using a ‘bulk bidding’ method where groups of homes are assembled into bid packages for contractors to bid on. There are a few programs that are utilizing a ‘single parcel method’ where each home is bid separately (often with the homeowner selecting contractors to prepare bids from a pre-approved list). In each of these cases, the airport sponsor holds the contract with the construction contractor. An emerging delivery method is a type of design build where the sponsor’s consultant holds the construction contracts (San Antonio International is utilizing this method). Tulsa was also using this method, but had encountered several issues including a very costly program, limited control over the program, and communication issues with their consultant. We were recently selected there to replace the prior consultant and have converted the program to a more traditional program where the sponsor will hold the contracts. I think this could prompt an interesting dialogue from the FAA staff in attendance about the pros and cons they see in the delivery methods used around the country. 

## Giving the Money Back
FAA doesn’t really want the proceeds from the Disposal back  
The intent is to reuse the disposal proceeds on other noise projects at the airport
To do this, the airport will establish an escrow account with a local bank.  FAA, the airport and the bank will execute the agreement.
When the airport uses the proceeds for a noise project, instead of using grant funds, it will use the disposal proceeds for the federal share.  
The grant will be tracked using FAA’s grant management system, SOAR 

**Frequently Misunderstood Items**

- Giving the Money Back
- FAA doesn’t really want the proceeds from the Disposal *back *
- The intent is to reuse the disposal proceeds on other noise projects at the airport
- To do this, the airport will establish an escrow account with a local bank.  FAA, the airport and the bank will execute the agreement.
- When the airport uses the proceeds for a noise project, instead of using grant funds, it will use the disposal proceeds for the federal share.
- The grant will be tracked using FAA’s grant management system, SOAR

## Attachment E – Sample Escrow Agreement

- Escrow Account to Hold Net Sales Proceeds pending reinvestment.
- 	To be used where reinvestment of Funds is not immediately available.
- 	Sample agreement provides acceptable terms and costs for the FAA and the Sponsor to initiate and maintain an escrow agreement with a regulated bank or other financial institution.
- 	Sales proceeds will be deposited and FAA authorized funds will be available for eligible project expenditures.

## 	FAA proposed that the third requirement of the statute be changed to:
	... Apply FAA grant share of land acquisition to proceeds of land disposal and reinvested (in order) 
1. To other noise projects on airport, 
2. In an environmental project on airport, 
3. In another AIP eligible project on airport, 
4. On a noise project at another airport, or 
5. Return to Trust Fund 
Both the House and Senate versions of the reauthorization include FAA’s proposed language.  

**	****... ****Apply FAA grant share of land acquisition to proceeds of land disposal and reinvested (in order) **
**1. To other noise projects on airport, **
**2. In an environmental project on airport, **
**3. In another AIP eligible project on airport, **
**4. On a noise project at another airport, or **
**5. Return to Trust Fund **
**Both the House and Senate versions of the reauthorization include FAA’s proposed language.  **

**FAA Proposed Revisions to Disposal Statutory Requirements**

## FAA Review of Inventory and Reuse Plan
FAA may accept upon finding that:
Inventory is Accurate and Includes all AIP and PFC assisted land acquisition (Verify against Exhibit A or the funding documents)
Adequate property rights (easement/deed restrictions) are retained by the airport to prevent incompatible use or development of the land disposed.  
Sale, lease or exchange of the unneeded land will be at the Fair Market Value, and;
Disposal proceeds will be used for an FAA-approved AIP-eligible noise compatibility project or returned to the Trust Fund.
Sponsors may dispose of noise land by long-term lease  provided the sponsor arranges to repay the federal share of the current FMV of the property at the time it enters into the lease as a lump sum.  Repayment of the federal share over time is not allowed. 

***FAA  Acceptance of Inventory and Re-use Plans.***

- FAA Review of Inventory and Reuse Plan
- FAA may accept upon finding that:
- Inventory is Accurate and Includes all AIP and PFC assisted land acquisition (Verify against Exhibit A or the funding documents)
- Adequate property rights (easement/deed restrictions) are retained by the airport to prevent incompatible use or development of the land disposed.
- Sale, lease or exchange of the unneeded land will be at the Fair Market Value, and;
- Disposal proceeds will be used for an FAA-approved AIP-eligible noise compatibility project or returned to the Trust Fund.
- Sponsors may dispose of noise land by long-term lease  provided the sponsor arranges to repay the federal share of the current FMV of the property at the time it enters into the lease as a lump sum.  Repayment of the federal share over time is not allowed.

## FAA Environmental Review 
(FAA AEA Guidance to ADO’s to be Issued)
Land Acquired for Noise Compatibility is not treated the same way as Airport Development Land.  The intent of acquiring noise land is to allow it to be redeveloped in a compatible manner. 
Noise Land is not part of the airport and does not fall under the airport land environmental requirements.  Therefore, FAA does not require an environmental assessment to dispose of noise land. 
If however, the land is disposed of by conversion to airport development land, then all the usual environmental provisions apply to the “acquisition of airport development land.”

***FAA  Acceptance of Inventory and Re-use Plans.***

- FAA Environmental Review
***(FAA AEA Guidance to ADO’s to be Issued)***
- Land Acquired for Noise Compatibility _*is not*_* treated the same way as *Airport Development Land.  The intent of acquiring noise land is to allow it to be redeveloped in a compatible manner.
- Noise Land is not part of the airport and does not fall under the airport land environmental requirements.  Therefore, FAA does not require an environmental assessment to dispose of noise land.
- If however, the land is disposed of by conversion to airport development land, then all the usual environmental provisions apply to the “acquisition of airport development land.”

## FAA Environmental Treatment on Disposal of Unneeded Noise Land
Prior Acquisition Approval.  FAA approval to fund and amend ALPs to depict acquisition of noise land. Subject to NEPA and is normally categorically excluded (FAA Order 1050.1E, paragraph 307d.  Alternatively, these actions may be addressed as part of an environmental assessment or impact statement. 
Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan. FAA’s actions are administrative, not discretionary in nature.  Therefore, the application of NEPA is not triggered. 
Conversion or Exchange of Unneeded Noise Land for Airport Development Land.  FAA approves changes to the ALP and the Airport Property Map to incorporate development/operational land ( including retained restrictions). FAA Order 5050.4B determines the level of environmental review under NEPA required for these projects. 
Market Sale/lease for Redevelopment.  The market sale/lease for redevelopment does not involve Federal action subject to NEPA or other federal environmental laws, regulations, or executive order.  Airspace reviews, including those under 14 CFR Part 77 associated with disposal of noise land, are advisory actions per FAA Order 1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 301.

***FAA  Acceptance of Inventory and Re-use Plans.***

- FAA Environmental Treatment on Disposal of Unneeded Noise Land
_**Prior Acquisition Approval.**_**  **FAA approval to fund and amend ALPs to depict acquisition of noise land. Subject to NEPA and is normally categorically excluded (FAA Order 1050.1E, paragraph 307d.  Alternatively, these actions may be addressed as part of an environmental assessment or impact statement.
_**Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan.**_** **FAA’s actions are administrative, not discretionary in nature.  Therefore, the application of NEPA is not triggered.
_**Conversion or Exchange of Unneeded Noise Land for Airport Development Land.**_**  **FAA approves changes to the ALP and the Airport Property Map to incorporate development/operational land ( including retained restrictions). FAA Order 5050.4B determines the level of environmental review under NEPA required for these projects.
_**Market Sale/lease for Redevelopment.**_**  **The market sale/lease for redevelopment does not involve Federal action subject to NEPA or other federal environmental laws, regulations, or executive order.  Airspace reviews, including those under 14 CFR Part 77 associated with disposal of noise land, are advisory actions per FAA Order 1050.1E, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 301.

## FAA Oversight / Compliance Reporting

**FAA Oversight / Compliance Reporting**

***FAA Eastern Region Guidance to be Issued Soon!***
_***Compliance Schedule***_
_**April 2007.**_  The 11 airports included in the 2005 OIG audit submitted their noise land Inventory by April 2007.
_**August 2008.**_  The 11 airports must submit their Re-Use Plan to FAA.
_**October 2009.**_  Other airports with pre-2006 noise land grants submit Reuse Plan.  Noise Land Inventory for all acquired noise land must be completed prior to submittal of Reuse Plan as agreed upon between the FAA and the individual airport.
_**Noise land acquisition grants issued in FY 2006 or later.**_ Noise Land Inventories and Reuse Plans must be completed or updated by project completion, in accordance with the grant special condition.
_**Ongoing Monitoring.**_** FAA will routinely monitor compliance and disposal progress as documented on accepted current inventory and reuse plan.**

## Questions / Guidance Needs?

**Where to Get More Information?**

- Questions / Guidance Needs?
**FAA Eastern Region Guidance (*****coming soon!)***
- PGL 08-02 “***Management of Acquired Noise Land”***
**    ****www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/aip/guidance_letters/media/PGL_08_02.pdf**
- AIP Handbook Chapter 8, FAA Order 5100.38
- Compliance Handbook, FAA Order 5190.7
- Questions?  Discuss with your FAA project manager