State And Federal Officials Want To Reduce Noise Pollution In Communities Around Logan

State officials are getting help from the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce airplane noise in communities surrounding Logan Airport.

On Friday, Massachusetts Port Authority and federal officials signed a memorandum of understanding, taking the first step in lessening the noise pollution.

Over the last few years, flights have become more concentrated as the airport implemented new navigation techniques, according to a statement from Massport. Officials say they are now working to change flight paths over communities that experience the most air traffic.

U.S. Congressman Mike Capuano says without the invention of quieter planes, spreading flights over more towns is the answer.

"The best thing we can do right now is to share the pain in a thoughtful, safe manner and that's what this is all about," he said.

However, South Boston Congressman Stephen Lynch is skeptical of the FAA's commitment to solving the problem.

"Either this memorandum of understanding, or agreement, is acted upon in an effective way, or we are going to get the health data to prove the damages the FAA is causing and we are going to have a class action suit," he said.

Massport says it hopes to have significant results in lowering noise pollution within the next year.