Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution requests that the Wisconsin State Legislature create a tax credit program to assist residents impacted by the placement of F-35 aircrafts at Truax Field. No City appropriation is required.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Requesting the Wisconsin State Legislature pass a bill to create a refundable tax credit for home improvements to residents near Truax Field necessitated by the placement of F-35 fighter wing aircrafts.
Body
Whereas, the Wisconsin State Legislature went on record supporting the placement of F-35 fighter aircraft at Truax Field when it adopted 2019 Senate Joint Resolution 69and the US Air Force subsequently chose to place an F-35 fighter wing at Truax Field; and
WHEREAS, in addition to arguments made in support of national defense and security efforts, state officials believe the placement of the F-35s at Truax will have a significant economic benefit to the entire State of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, the placement of F-35s, to commence in 2023, created concern among residents of neighborhoods in close proximity to Truax Field due to the potential for increased noise levels along flight paths - noise levels that the US Air Force identified as "incompatible" for residential areas; and
Whereas, during the debate on bringing F-35s to Madison, state legislators, local officials and community members stated their concern for the well-being of residents most likely to be impacted by the F-35 placement as their homes may not have adequate insulation, and doors and windows that effectively dampen sound; and
Whereas, persons with lower incomes very likely do not have the financial resources to add insulation to their homes, install doors and windows capable of deadening sound, install HVAC systems that allow for windows to remain closed during warmer weather, and undertake other sound mitigation efforts; and
Whereas, having an opportunity to install insulation, windows, doors, HVAC and other sound mitigation equipment would provide local businesses and contractors with much needed work during the ongoing recession and as we try to have our economy recover from Covid-19; and
WHEREAS, sound mitigation efforts would have the added benefit of reducing utility bills for homeowners in the impacted area for years to come; and
Whereas, while it is hoped that the Federal Aviation Administration Part 150 program will result in the mitigation or abatement of noise concerns, and it is hoped that the federal government through the efforts of US Representative Mark Pocan and US Senator Tammy Baldwin will indeed provide funding for sound mitigation efforts. In the event these efforts do not result in effective noise mitigation and abatement, the City of Madison does not have financial resources to assist these homeowners,
Now, therefore, the City of Madison requests that the Wisconsin State Legislature pass legislation creating a refundable tax credit for home improvements necessitated by the placement of F-35s to provide a level of assurance for homeowners in the event federal assistance is not adequate; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the credit should cover cost of mitigation not covered by federal funds and be available to homeowners in areas that have been identified by the US Air Force as being subjected to noise levels incompatible with residential usage. Provided that, under the credit, homeowners would receive an amount equal to the cost of materials, installation, and financing. Sound proofing insulation, doors and windows designed to mitigate sound levels, HVAC systems, and other sound mitigation steps not covered in whole or part by federal funding would be eligible for the credit; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the tax credit will be available to all kinds of housing units, including mobile homes and multi-family units; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, in addition to residing in an area identified by the US Air Force as incompatible for residential usage, eligible homeowners would need to possess permits issued by the City specifying the work to be done, the materials to be installed and the cost of materials and installation.