SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio was appointed to the Residential Sound Insulation Program Advisory Committee this week, which is focused on improving policies that reduce noise exposure and continuing insulation of nearby residential areas.

“If you live near an airport, such as Midway like in my district, you know how disruptive the constant airplane noises can be,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “As a member of this committee, I want to highlight the importance of ensuring home life is not interrupted by noise from the airport.”

Chicago Midway International Airport currently has five runways, and nearby homeowners have raised concerns over the years on the impact of flight traffic noise on these residential areas.

In the last decade, nearly 10,175 homes near Midway have been insulated through the Residential Sound Insulation Program. Additionally, since 1991 insulation has been installed at 41 schools near Midway through the School Sound Insulation Program.

“While there is a significant amount of flight activity in my district, our job in the committee will be to minimize aircraft noise exposure while still continuing airport operations to the fullest extent,” said Porfirio. “It is inevitable that there will be noise exposure to residential areas nearby, but it is not impossible to reduce it and figure out what will work best for our communities.”

Porfirio was appointed to the advisory committee by Senate President Don Harmon.