DATE OF DISTRIBUTION: June 2, 2009           FOR RELEASE UPON RECEIPT

TUCSON AIRPORT BEGINS NOISE UPDATE

     At a meeting today, the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) reported it is working with Landrum & Brown to update its Federal Aviation Administration Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study, last completed in 1991.

     TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin explained that over the last 20 years Tucson Airport Authority has implemented a series of significant changes not only to airport operations but also to land development in the airport environs that have paid huge dividends for the community.

     “The success of our previous plan is a tribute to the membership of the Tucson Airport Authority. This group of 115 volunteers has a long history of thoughtful strategic planning that has laid a solid foundation for this community.

     “Since the last plan, TAA has relocated the main runway of Tucson International Airport (TIA) one half mile to the southeast to mitigate the effects of noise on airport neighbors to the northwest. At the same time TAA embarked on an ambitious federally funded Sound Insulation Program that is nearing completion and will result in sound remediation improvements to nearly 1,100 homes.”

     In addition the Authority collaborated with both the City of Tucson and Pima County to facilitate adoption of formal zoning ordinances in areas exposed to high levels of aircraft noise.

     “This has been an enormous investment in, and boost for the community, allowing residential and commercial development to grow compatibly with the airport,” said Ms. Allin.

     The Part 150 Update will consider TIA’s Noise Exposure Maps to identify noise impact locations since the last map was developed, and make recommendations for potential further reducing and mitigating aircraft noise.

     “Many improvements have been made since the last study,” reported TAA Vice President of Planning & Development Jill Merrick. “The U.S. aircraft fleet is smaller and quieter, with Stage 2 aircraft having been phased out. In addition, technology has made it easier to obtain more accurate noise readings.”

     TAA will be working with a Project Advisory Committee composed of citizen, government, military, and elected representatives, airport users and tenants, and the local business community. Several public open houses are planned before adoption of the Update which is expected to go to the TAA Board of Directors in Fall 2010.

     T-A-A

     The Tucson Airport Authority, TAA, is a nonprofit entity created by State Charter in 1948. Composed of 115 community members, the Authority has a nine-member board of directors that meets monthly. TAA President/CEO Bonnie Allin, oversees day-to-day operations, and a staff of 300 employees. TAA manages Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield.

Tucson International Airport
. 8 airlines provide 128 daily departures and arrivals
. 2008 Passengers: 4,225,869
. Three Runways: 11L/29R; 11R/29L; 3/21
. Land Area: 8,244 acres
. Elevation: 2,641’

Ryan Airfield
. 2008 Aircraft Operations: 168,052
. Three Runways: 6R/24L, 6L/24R, 15/33
. Land Area: 1,804 acres
. Elevation: 2,417’