OSAKA -- Eleven municipalities concerned about jet noise from Osaka airport decided Friday at an extraordinary general meeting in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, to condone a daily increase of 50 jet arrivals and departures.The municipalities also formally decided to accept a central government proposal for a 40 percent jet noise reduction in earmarked areas. Local authorities, who have been attempting to reduce the number of flights, have thus been forced to change their position in hope of reactivating the local economy, sagging since the opening of the Kansai International Airport.The Transport Ministry proposed to the group of municipalities in August a 40 percent reduction in areas earmarked for noise reduction measures, based on noise surveys. The group accepted the proposal because the state condoned the extension of a respite period before the actual reduction and because current noise levels are lower than the group once estimated.As a result, the area where homeowners will be eligible for state subsidies if they soundproof their homes will be reduced greatly. However, a spokesman for an antinoise group of residents reaffirmed the group's position to continue fighting against an increase in the number of flights to and from the airport.
