TF Green Breaks Ground on Runway Expansion, Noise Mitigation

WARWICK, RI — Mayor Scott Avedisian joined Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressmen Jim Langevine and David Cicilline, Governor Gina Raimondo, along with members from RIAC, Cardi Contruction and members of the FAA for the ceremonial groundbreaking on the TF Green runway expansion project at Runway 5 Monday morning.

The runway expansion project, which is slated to be complete in late 2017, will make bicoastal, non-stop flights possible from the airport.

Last week, Reed announced $9,322,986 in federal funding for jet noise mitigation.

The federal funds, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, could lead to more homeowners being bought out or receiving noise insulation assistance, such as sound insulation work that may include the installation of acoustical windows and doors, duct work, and systems to help block out jet noise, according to a release from the Senator’s office.

About $887,032 of the funding migth be used for the voluntary acquisition of three homes adversely impacted by aircraft noise.  Acquisition of the homes must be in accordance with approved measures in the airport’s noise compatibility plan.  Additionally, $8,435,954 will be directed to provide sound insulation mitigation to residences adversely impacted by aircraft noise, in accordance with the airport’s approved noise compatibility plan.  Approximately 755 residents inhabiting 76 single family homes, 142 condominiums, and 82 apartments are projected to benefit from this project.

“The airport is a community asset and it must be a good neighbor.  This federal funding will provide targeted relief from airplane noise to those who are most directly impacted.  It should help reduce the noise threshold for homes in the area,” said Reed, who has worked with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to invest approximately $110 million in upgrading T.F. Green and extending the main runway 1,500 feet.

In April, Reed helped pass an FAA reauthorization through the U.S. Senate to enhance airport security, extend new protections to airline passengers, and keep improvements to T.F. Green on schedule.  A final version of the bill negotiated with the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to be debated by the U.S. Senate this week.

When it is completed, the new 8,700 feet runway will help the airport better accommodate direct, long-distance airline service.  The extended runway is expected to be ready for takeoff around December of 2017.