The FHWA noise regulations require that abatement measures be considered when highway traffic noise impacts are identified and that the abatement measures be implemented when they are determined to be reasonable and feasible. Most State departments of transportation (DOTs) do not have specific procedures for determining the reasonableness and feasibility of noise abatement measures for special land use facilities, such as parks, churches, and schools. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has developed a report entitled "A Method to Determine Reasonableness and Feasibility of Noise Abatement at Special Use Locations." We are distributing the report as an example of one approach to address this difficult issue.

The report outlines a procedure that employs a systematic approach to the determination of reasonableness of abatement for special land uses. The development process for a Reasonableness Matrix for special land uses is explained and an overview of a finalized policy, along with details of the policy development methodology, is presented. The report should be useful to all individuals involved with the determination of the reasonableness of noise abatement measures. Sufficient copies have been provided for forwarding one copy to each division and one copy to each State DOT. Additional copies are available from FDOT.

If you have any questions or comments concerning the report, you should contact Win Lindeman of FDOT at 605 Suwannee Street, MS-37, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450, telephone (850) 488-2914, e-mail win.lindeman@dot.state.fl.us, or Bob Armstrong of my staff at (202) 366-2073, respectively.

/s/Kevin E. Heanue

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