Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools are eligible for School Sound Insulation?
A school must meet all three criteria to be eligible to seek sound insulation funding:
- School is recognized by the Illinois Board of Education providing K-12 education and has submitted a letter requesting to participate in the SSIP.
- School's annual day/night average sound level is equal to or greater than 60 decibels (60 DNL) within the latest approved noise contour.
- hool's measured, A-weighted, windows-open interior sound level is equal to or greater than 45 decibels (45 Leq) resulting from aircraft operations during normal school hours.
Who pays for the sound insulation?
If a school meets all three criteria, the school would then need to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for sound insulation grant funding. If grant funding becomes available, the FAA reimburses 80% of the cost using Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds, while the City of Chicago reimburses the remaining 20% using approved airline revenue sources.
How long has the SSIP been around?
Since 1982, the Chicago Department of Aviation has administered the SSIP in the communities around O’Hare Airport. The program is the largest and among the oldest in the world and has provided approximately $280 million in funds to sound-insulate 116 completed schools with an additional 4 schools in process.
What is done to the school to insulate against aircraft noise?
Typical sound insulation measures could include:
- Windows modifications
- Addition of acoustical insulation batts to ceiling assemblies
- Weather-stripping windows and doors
- Installation of new air conditioning and ventilation systems and vestibules at exterior doors.