WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help more families who are adversely affected by airport noise, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) announced today that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) will receive $10 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to acquire homes that are located near Green Airport and included in the present voluntary home acquisition program. "This home acquisition program has been essential in helping families living around T.F. Green Airport who have been forced to deal with the problem of airport noise," stated Reed. "While this federal funding will go along way to help these families, noise issues still persist for many home and business owners. I will continue to address the issue with transportation and FAA officials." Mark Brewer, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation stated, "We are appreciative of the efforts of Senator Reed and the members of our congressional delegation to obtain federal funding for important airport projects. This $10 million allocated to the important voluntary home acquisition program will accelerate the buyout of additional homes in Warwick." In the past, Senator Reed brought key FAA officials up to Rhode Island to show them firsthand the airport's growth and the related growing pains that expansion has had on the local community, especially in terms of greater aircraft noise. Reed has also conducted meetings with FAA Noise Director Paul Galis to discuss the situation at T.F. Green Airport. In addition, Reed urged the FAA to carefully study the increased airport traffic to determine what additional steps would be needed to abate airport noise and secured a commitment to increase the amount FAA funds for soundproofing at T.F. Green. The voluntary home acquisition program is a continuing effort by RIAC to mitigate the impact of noise to the surrounding communities. It is anticipated that approximately 100 people will benefit from the project.