May 3, 2023 – Board of Public Works Approves Soundproofing for Homes Near BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

18 Properties to be Improved in First Phase of $35 Million, Multi-Year Program

The Maryland Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a contract to provide sound insulation treatments for 18 homes near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The Board, chaired by Governor Wes Moore and including Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis, approved the $1.1 million contract to improve homes in the approved noise mitigation contour as part of the BWI Marshall Airport Residential Sound Insulation Program.

“We take our role and responsibility of being a good neighbor very seriously,” said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “For over three decades, the Residential Sound Insulation Program has been one important component of our longstanding commitment to help mitigate the impact of aircraft operations on local communities. We are excited to expand this program.”

First created in 1988, the BWI Marshall Airport Residential Sound Insulation Program provides for mitigation of aircraft noise for eligible properties near the airport. Under this program, eligible homeowners may elect to have sound insulation improvements made to their residences.

Improvements may include acoustical windows and doors that are designed to help block noise, as well as insulation, sealant and other treatments approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. To date, BWI Marshall Airport has mitigated 750 local homes and four schools for approximately $80 million.

The construction contract approved by the Board today is the first phase of a $35 million, multi-year program that will ultimately improve more than 100 single family homes and more than 300 multi-family units in 17 buildings. Construction phasing is being planned for the additional local properties. The BWI Marshall Residential Sound Insulation improvements are largely funded by Federal Aviation Administration grants, along with additional support from passenger facility charges.

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