RI Leaders, Airport Officials Celebrate T.F. Green Runway Extension Completion
Tuesday, October 03, 2017
Rhode Island elected officials joined the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) to mark the official completion of T.F. Green's runway extension project, which lengthened the airport’s main runway by 1534 feet to 8,700 feet.
The extension project was part of the nearly $250M Airport Improvement Program implemented at T.F Green. The multi-year effort began with planning in 1999, with construction on Runway 5-23 beginning in 2013.
“The vision for this project began almost two decades ago and it is not possible to thank everyone who made this significant accomplishment happen. Airports can only compete if they continue to invest in their infrastructure. The airport is now more marketable, safer and better prepared for the airplanes of the future,” said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of RIAC.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Airport Improvement Program included the extension of Runway 5-23; relocation of Winslow Park; relocation of Main Avenue; a residential acquisition program; removal of obstructions on Runway 5-23; safety area improvements to Runway 16-34; demolition of Hangar 1; a residential sound insulation program, and construction of a Glycol facility.
"On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this effort, particularly former board members and chairs who kept this vital project moving forward," said Jonathan Savage, Chairman of RIAC. "Together we have made an investment in the economy of the State of Rhode Island that will pay dividends for decades to come."
Officials on the Record
“The airport is a great asset and a key piston in the state’s economic engine. I am proud to have delivered federal funds to make these improvements. In addition to new air service and increased travel options, this extended runway is expanding opportunities for the state to attract new business and investment. I think Rhode Island is very well positioned to compete now and in the long-term,” said Senator Reed, who helped direct roughly $110 million in federal funding to the airport. “There was a lot of hard work, and some turbulence in getting to this point, but it is great to see this forward-looking investment cleared for takeoff.”
“As we all know, the discussion of runway expansion was a topic that was hotly debated for more than a decade,” said Mayor Scott Avedisian. “To get to where we are today – finding a balance between the needs of those who live and work in Warwick with RIAC’s desire to expand – took years of negotiation, compromise and effort among many people who remained steadfast in their desire to find a mutually-acceptable solution. Today, with the safety enhancements and runway expansion complete, we look forward to continued partnership with RIAC and other stakeholders to ensure that T.F. Green Airport remains a top-rated airport, and a driver to help grow our local business economy with its proximity to City Centre Warwick.”
The celebration drew over 100 attendees and included Federal Aviation Administrator Michael Huerta, Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian along with other dignitaries and tourism officials.
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