Airport Hopes To End Runway 31 Controversy

When Bush Intercontinental Airport opened Runway 31 back in October, the outcry was loud enough to drown the scream of departing jet aircraft. Houstonians complained bitterly about the increase in noise levels. Now, there's an agreement between the airport, the FAA and Congress that officials hope will end the protests.

The idea is to use the new Runway 31 only as a last resort. Another runway, closed for months so it could be renovated, reopens on July 8th. The airport promises Runway 31, at the northern end of the field, will thereafter only be used during "extreme situations" between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am local time.

But residents who live near the new runway aren't buying it... yet.

I don't believe a word they say," said Sunny Johnson, who lives about a quarter of a mile from Runway 31. "If it is the truth, it will be the first truth." She made her comments in an interview with the Houston Chronicle.

But one of the local lawmakers instrumental in the agreement to reduce Runway 31 noise had a lot more confidence in the process. "If this plan falls short, we have a commitment from the airport and FAA to fix it," said Congressman Gene Green (D-TX). "We will listen to residents and review the plan monthly to ensure enforcement."

FMI: www.iah.houstonairportsystem.org