Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Flight Path Changes at Phoenix Sky Harbor
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego released the following statement in response to the agreement reached by the City of Phoenix, neighborhood associations, and the federal government to reverse changes to departure flight paths at Sky Harbor airport that were implemented in 2014:
"Since taking office, I've worked hard to compel the FAA to reconsider flight paths that exposed thousands of homes and businesses in our city to harmful levels of aircraft noise. I'm pleased that today's agreement will finally bring some much-needed relief to many residents who have been forced to cope with aircraft roaring overhead for far too long.
"However, this fight is far from over. After reinstituting the old flight paths, the FAA will begin the process of developing new westward routes out of Sky Harbor. I am committed to working to ensure that, consistent with the terms of the agreement reached today, this effort is conducted in a transparent manner and reflects the interests and input of all of the affected communities – including those that will experience an increase in aircraft noise after the 2014 flight paths are restored.
"Moving forward, I will take every opportunity to remind the FAA of its binding legal obligation to heed the concerns of local leaders, business owners and families in Phoenix."