June 7, 2006
Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release
738-2000
Avedisian lauds Senators’ efforts to secure federal funds to address airport issues
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian today publicly expressed his thanks to U.S. Senators Lincoln Chafee and Jack Reed, who announced that they have secured over $15 million in federal grants for aviation-related issues.
The grants will pay for repair of damaged taxiways, the acquisition of additional land for noise reduction and an environmental impact statement regarding the proposed extension of the primary runway. The land acquisition money is earmarked for the Rhode Island Airport Corporation’s existing voluntary home acquisition program and is not related to any property acquisition under the proposed expansion plans, Avedisian said.
“Noise from aircraft has been an ongoing concern for residents who live close to the airport property,” Avedisian said. “This additional funding will help more homeowners, if they so choose, to take advantage of the home acquisition program. The Environmental Impact Statement has been of critical concern to the City and its citizens, so we’re very grateful that funds are being set aside for this process. Finally, the repairs to the taxiways will ensure the ongoing safety of T.F. Green’s passengers and employees, which is, of course, of paramount concern to our public safety officials and the traveling public.”