Airport gets federal funds for buyouts

5/9/2001

The final phase - at least for now - of property buyouts near Toledo Express Airport will be funded with a $2.3 million federal grant, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority officials said.

U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) announced the Federal Aviation Administration grant Monday evening during a Toledo Transportation Club dinner.

Ralph “Chip” Hannon, the port authority's vice president for new projects, said the agency will provide $255,555 in matching funds.

“I am pleased to have assisted in returning taxpayers' dollars back home to improve the quality of life for those families affected by increased cargo and passenger traffic at Toledo Express,” Miss Kaptur said.

The money will be used to buy 14 properties at scattered locations around the airport's perimeter, Mr. Hannon said. Unless the federal noise standards change, or until the port authority moves forward with plans to lengthen the airport's north-south runway, all planned property buyouts are now funded, he said.

In earlier phases of the noise mitigation program - under way since the early 1990s after what is now BAX Global, Inc., began nighttime cargo flights to its Toledo hub - the port authority has bought 305 homes and two nursing homes and provided noise-insulating improvements on 300 residences.

The $43 million program has included $38.7 million in FAA grants, Mr. Hannon said.