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Health & Fitness

Minneapolis needs environmental review of airport changes

Following Congressman Keith Ellison's town hall forum on airport noise, I asked him why there wasn't a requirement to do an environmental review of the proposed consolidation of airplane departures (RNAV) at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport as there would be for any other major transportation corridor project. 

These changes have huge impacts on the quality of life for Minneapolis and the review process brings transparency to the decision making. In talking with him after the meeting, Representative Ellison said he would get the question answered and pursue this type of review if possible.

I have since followed up with a formal letter to his office. The text of the letter is below. 

The Honorable Keith Ellison
2244 Rayburn Building
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

August 29, 2013

Dear Representative Ellison,

I know I speak for many in the community in thanking you for calling the forum this week to hear from residents impacted by the level of airplane traffic over Southwest Minneapolis, Edina and the surrounding areas. This is an issue I know well having lived under a flight path in the East Harriet neighborhood of Southwest Minneapolis for over 20 years and hearing from people living in the 13th Ward as I have been campaigning for the Minneapolis City Council. The forum was a step toward improved community education and engagement.

Airport noise is a major livability issue for Southwest Minneapolis. While I have been campaigning this summer, voters tell me that they want more information about RNAV, ask why this proposed change must occur, are very concerned about the increased airplane noise it would bring, and have concerns about the increasing noise we have already experienced.

As I asked during the resident comment/question period and then mentioned to you during our conversation after the forum on Tuesday, I would like to see the FAA be required to do the same level of environmental review on the proposed flight path changes as is required for major transportation projects, much like Southwest Light Rail Transit, as previously required. Similar to any major real estate development or transportation project, it is essential that planners and airport officials gather data, share information and respond to input on how dramatically an increase in consolidated air traffic could impact our daily lives. An environmental review provides an engagement process that is open and transparent and grounded in facts.

Thank you for agreeing to explore the option of conducting an environmental review. Your leadership is essential and valued. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the viability of such a study and working with you on this important issue now and when I am elected to the City Council.

Sincerely,

Matt Perry

Cc: U.S. Representative Erik Paulson, State Senator Scott Dibble, State Representative Frank Hornstein, Mayor R.T. Rybak, Council Member Elizabeth Glidden, Council Member, Council Member John Quincy, Council Member Sandy Colvin Roy, Council Member Betsy Hodges

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