The Associated Press

BREMERTON — Funding has been allocated for the U.S. Navy to study and develop technologies that would reduce jet engine noise as it plans to bring more electronic-warfare aircraft to train on Whidbey Island.

The $675 billion budget for the U.S. Defense Department includes $2 million for the Navy to address jet noise, a contentious topic for residents on and near Whidbey Island, according to the Kitsap Sun.

The Navy released a final environmental impact statement last week on a plan to bring 36 more EA-18G Growlers for training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

The Navy is expected to make a final decision on the expanded operation in the next month.

It’s not immediately clear when the jet noise study will begin.