Airport Noise Foes Win Support From Prominent Legislator

Update 12:17 p.m. 11/16/12: Much of the Southwest Minneapolis legislative delegation has signed on to Hornstein's letter opposing the RNAV technology changes. The letter is posted at right. 

"Before RNAV is pursued further, we need more information," the letter reads. "Our constituents deserve the opportunity to give input.  The process that has been offered thus far has not been adequate for this significant change to airport operations."

The legislators also called for studying the impact of RNAV as part of a larger study of the airport's future.

State Sens. Scott Dibble (DFL-61), Patricia Torres-Rey (DFL-63) and Jeff Hayden (DFL-62), have affixed their names to the letter, along with state Reps. Frank Hornstein (DFL-61A), Susan Allen (DFL-62B), Karen Clark (DFL-62A), Jim Davnie (DFL-63A), Jean Wagenius (DFL-63B).

Dibble and Hornstein have both been elected to chair their respective chambers' committees on transportation finance for the upcomming legislative session.

Original Story: A new set of navigational technologies proposed by the Federal Aviation Administration could dramatically increase the numbers of airplanes flying over certain houses in Southwest Minneapolis. The planned introduction of those technologies has run into opposition from area residents, members of the Minneapolis City Council, and members of Minnesota's delegation to the state legislature. 

See which areas will .

Southwest Minneapolis' state Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-61) told Patch that several local legislators were up in arms over the issue, and a "strongly-worded" letter written by state Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-61A) was being circulated among legislators for their signatures. The letter asks MAC to oppose immediate implementation of the new flight paths.

"I think this absolutely needs more study," Dibble told Patch, adding that he thinks MAC should carry out a formal assessment of the plan's impact on residents and the environment.

According to the Star-Tribune, Minneapolis City Councilmembers echoed that sentiment in interviews Thursday.

“I’m part of the (city's) airport working group and I feel like I’m totally confused," Councilmember Elizabeth Glidden (Ward 8) told the Star-Tribune.

MAC will vote next week on whether to endorse the technology changes sought by the FAA, MPR reports . If it does not endorse the changes by the end of November, it reports, the FAA will have to delay implementing the changes for at least a year.

"I'm extremely unhappy that this is being rammed through," Dibble told Patch. "For a long time, we've tried not to create a winner-looser dynamic on this issue."