[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 179 (Thursday, September 14, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 55674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-23682]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Approval of Noise Compatibility Program; Corpus Christi 
International Airport, Corpus Christi, TX

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its 
findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by city of Corpus 
Christi for Corpus Christi International Airport under the provisions 
of Title 49, U.S.C., Chapter 475 and CFR part 150. These findings are 
made in recognition of the description of Federal and non-federal 
responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). On March 1, 2000, 
the FAA determined that the noise exposure maps submitted by the city 
of Corpus Christi for Corpus Christi International Airport under part 
150 were in compliance with applicable requirements. On August 28, 
2000, the Administrator approved the noise compatibility program. Most 
of the recommendations of the program were approved.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The effective date of the FAA's approval of the noise 
compatibility program for Corpus Christi International Airport is 
August 28, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nan L. Terry, Department of 
Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 2601 Meacham 
Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas, 76137, (817) 222-5607. Documents 
reflecting this FAA action may be reviewed at this same location.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice announces that the FAA has given 
its overall approval to the noise compatibility program for Corpus 
Christi International Airport, effective August 28, 2000.
    Under Title 49 U.S.C., Section 47504 (hereinafter referred to as 
``Title 49''), an airport operator who has previously submitted a noise 
exposure map may submit to the FAA a noise compatibility program which 
sets forth the measures taken or proposed by the airport operator for 
the reduction of existing non-compatible land uses within the area 
covered by the noise exposure maps. Title 49 requires such programs to 
be developed in consultation with interested and affected parties 
including local communities, government agencies, airport users, and 
FAA personnel.
    Each airport noise compatibility program developed in accordance 
with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) part 150 is a local program, 
not a Federal program. The FAA does not substitute its judgment for 
that of the airport proprietor with respect to which measures should be 
recommended for action. The FAA's approval or disapproval of FAR part 
150 program recommendations is measured according to the standards 
expressed in part 150 and Title 49 and is limited to the following 
determinations:
    a. The noise compatibility program was developed in accordance with 
the provisions and procedures of FAR part 150;
    b. Program measures are reasonably consistent with achieving the 
goals of reducing existing non-compatible land uses around the airport 
and preventing the introduction of additional non-compatible land uses;
    c. Program measures would not create an undue burden on interstate 
or foreign commerce, unjustly discriminate against types or classes of 
aeronautical uses, violate the terms of airport grant agreements, or 
intrude into areas preempted by the Federal government; and
    d. Program measures relating to the use of flight procedures can be 
implemented within the period covered by the program without derogating 
safety, adversely affecting the efficient use and management of the 
navigable airspace and air traffic control systems, or adversely 
affecting other powers and responsibilities of the Administrator 
prescribed by law.
    Specific limitations with respect to the FAA's approval of an 
airport noise compatibility program are delineated in FAR part 150, 
Sec. 150.5. Approval is not a determination concerning the 
acceptability of land uses under Federal, state, or local law. Approval 
does not by itself constitute a FAA implementing action. A request for 
Federal action or approval to implement specific noise compatibility 
measures may be required, and a FAA decision on the request may require 
an environmental assessment of the proposed action. Approval does not 
constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the 
implementation of the program nor a determination that all measures 
covered by the program are eligible for grant-in-aid funding from the 
FAA.
    Where Federal funding is sought, requests for project grants must 
be submitted to the FAA Airports Division Office in Fort Worth, Texas.
    The city of Corpus Christi submitted to the FAA on January 10, 
2000, the noise exposure maps, descriptions, and other documentation 
produced during the noise compatibility planning study conducted from 
July 1995 through January 2000. The Corpus Christi International 
Airport noise exposure maps were determined by the FAA to be in 
compliance with applicable requirements on March 1, 2000. Notice of 
this determination was published in the Federal Register on March 14, 
2000.
    The Corpus Christi International Airport study contains a proposed 
noise compatibility program comprised of actions designed for phased 
implementation by airport management and adjacent jurisdictions from 
the date of study completion to the year 2005. It was requested that 
the FAA reevaluate and approve this material as a noise compatibility 
program as described in Title 49. The FAA began its review of the 
program on March 1, 2000, and was required by a provision of the Act to 
approve or disapprove the program within 180 days (other than the use 
of new flight procedures for noise control). Failure to approve or 
disapprove such program within the 180-day period shall be deemed to be 
an approval of such program.
    The submitted program contained nine proposed actions for noise 
mitigation on and off the airport. The FAA completed its review and 
determined that the procedural and substantive requirements of Title 49 
and FAR Part 150 have been satisfied. The overall of additional 
analysis. All of the approval and disapproval actions are more fully 
explained in the enclosed Record of Approval.
    These determinations are set forth in detail in a Record of 
Approval endorsed by the Administrator on August 28, 2000. The Record 
of Approval, as well as other evaluation materials and the documents 
comprising the submittal, are available at the FAA office listed above 
and at the administrative offices of the Department of Aviation, City 
of Corpus Christi, 1000 International Drive, Corpus Chrisiti, Texas 
78406-1801.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, September 7, 2000.
Naomi L. Saunders,
Manager, Airports Division.
[FR Doc. 00-23682 Filed 9-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M