RI Delegation Secures $20.3 Million for T.F. Green International Airport & Local Airports

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has been awarded $20,372,714 million in federal funding to advance infrastructure upgrades and construction projects at T.F. Green International Airport and several local airports across the state.

This federal funding is administered through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which all four members of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation have supported through the annual appropriations process. The funding was authorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed on November 15, 2021, which included an additional $15 billion in AIP funding.

With increased air traffic in the region, these federal AIP grants are allocated to RIAC and distributed as follows:

$12,573,995 for Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) for a new 42,000 square yard Remain Overnight Apron to accommodate more aircraft operations. This federal grant finances a portion of the total project.

$5,399,160 for Westerly State Airport (WST) to help rehabilitate over 4,000 feet of existing paved Runway 7/25 to enhance and maintain its structural integrity and extend its useful life.

$1,966,339 for Newport State Airport (UUU) to help rehabilitate 2,600 feet of existing paved Runway 4/22 to enhance and maintain its structural integrity and extend its useful life.

$254,271 for Quonset State Airport (OQU), a joint civil-military public airport located on Quonset Point, in northeastern North Kingstown. to help remove obstructions along the Runway 16 approach. This project removes vegetation identified as obstructions by the FAA to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.

$178,949 for North Central State Airport (SFZ) in Smithfield to help remove vegetation identified as obstructions by the FAA to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds phase one, which consists of acquiring two avigation easements on the approach end of Runway 5.

"These funds will keep Rhode Island airports safe, updated, and operating efficiently. I am pleased to have helped secure this funding to enhance local airports and ensure they continue to serve the people who depend on them," said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

"I was glad to support these federal investments in T.F. Green and Rhode Island's smaller airports. The improvements will keep operations running smoothly for passengers and commerce," said Senator Whitehouse, Ranking Member on the Environment and Public Works Committee.

"Rhode Island's airports help power our economy and make life more convenient for people across our state," said Magaziner. "I will continue to work with my colleagues in the delegation to ensure that our airports are adequately funded so that air travel in Rhode Island is safe, accessible and efficient."

"This federal funding will ensure our airports get the infrastructure improvements they need so travelers can get to their destinations safely and efficiently. I will continue to work with my colleagues in our delegation to ensure our gateways to the world remain safe, modern, and built for the future."

Rhode Island's regional airports play a critical role in providing accessible air travel for residents and visitors alike and serve both private and commercial aviation needs.

"We appreciate the continued support of Rhode Island's Congressional delegation and the FAA. These investments will enhance safety, strengthen infrastructure, and support the long-term reliability of Rhode Island's airport system," said Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.

"These federal investments are essential to maintaining and improving the infrastructure that supports Rhode Island's economy and traveling public. We deeply appreciate the continued leadership and advocacy of our congressional delegation," said Jonathan Savage, Chair of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation Board of Directors.

Under FAA guidelines, AIP awards may cover up to 95 percent of the cost of AIP projects, with the rest coming from airport revenues.

RIAC is a quasi-public corporation empowered to undertake the planning, development, management, acquisition, ownership, operations, repair, construction, improvement, maintenance, sale, lease, or other disposition of Rhode Island Airports: Rhode Island T.F. Green Airport, Warwick; North Central Airport, Smithfield; Quonset Airport, North Kingstown; Westerly Airport, Westerly; Newport Airport, Middletown; Block Island Airport, New Shoreham.

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