12-07-1988 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ ``~ • DEPARTMENT OF TR~SPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION SOUTHWEST REGION Q~~P~ gy~gr,O P. O. BOX 1689 FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76101 '~ Z ,o \ 2 JAN ~ $ 1977 ~i~N~sTa~t Honorable E. A. Thomas Mayor of LaPorte P.O. Box 1115 LaPorte, Texas 77571 Dear Mayor Thomas: As you may know, Grant Agreements resulting from airport development aid programs specify that all possible measures must be taken by the airport sponsor to prevent incompatible land use in the vicinity of the airport. We are sending a letter similar to this to all locations that have had recent Federal-aid airport projects to stress the importance of having a positive program in this regard. We continue to receive, at an increasing rate, reports of such incom- patible development. 'Several instances have been brought to our attention recently in which housing subdivisions, schools and other incompatible development have been constructed in critical areas near public airports. Not only does such construction have an adverse effect on future airport development and expansion, but it is likely to result in noise complaints and even organized opposition to existing airport operations. Such activity tends to erode public support for the airport which is so vital to your total economy. This type of opposition also complicates and delays the preparation of environmental impact statements, approval of which is a prerequisite to federal funding of subsequent airport development projects. The solution to the problem is not easy because of the lack of effective federal and state enabling legislation to control such development. We feel, however, that if airports are to survive, positive action must be taken by the local government to control incompatible growth around the airport. Much can be accomplished through careful handling of building permits and building codes, applying height and hazard zoning and being constantly alert to problems caused by construction near the airport, especially in the approach and departure zones. In this connection, Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 77 requires that prior to the erection of structures on or within a certain distance of airports, notice must be given to the FAA to permit an airspace evaluation of the effects of the structure on the safe and efficient use of airspace. This review procedure sometimes enables the FAA to prevent construction of hazards or structures that would adversely affect