March 21, 2007 Contact: Sue Baker
For Immediate Release 738-2000
Avedisian authorizes RFQ for attorneys
with expertise in aviation issues
WARWICK – Mayor Scott Avedisian announced today that he has authorized the issuance of a “Request for Qualifications” for attorneys with expertise in aviation.
For the past several years, the municipal budget has included a $150,000 line item to retain specialized legal and professional expertise in light of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation’s proposal to expand the runways at T.F. Green Airport.
Avedisian said now that the FAA has released its findings of “Draft Environmental Consequences” within the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the City’s limited financial resources can be put to work addressing the specific adverse impacts contained within these reports in advance of the public hearings and record of decision.
Avedisian said his review of the “Environmental Consequences” chapter affirms many of the City’s longstanding concerns relative to the wide-ranging, adverse effects runway expansion would have on local neighborhoods, businesses and the environment.
“It’s now an appropriate time to use these resources on behalf of the nearly 90,000 residents who live in the shadow of T.F. Green Airport,” Avedisian said. “Engaging the services of attorneys with airport and environmental expertise will help us to strengthen our position that constructing the longest runway possible without regard to the severe and adverse impacts imposed upon on our community is not acceptable.”
Statements of qualification will be accepted until April 16, after which interviews with selected candidates will be scheduled. Qualified applicants will be asked to analyze RIAC’s Master Plan, Purpose and Need Statement and the DEIS and to assist the City’s Planning Department in finalizing the city’s comments on the DEIS for the purposes of determining it if complies with federal law and strengthening the city’s position should litigation be necessary.
The RFQ also seeks candidates who possess experience and expertise in: representing municipalities in disputes with airports and the FAA over airport development projects; negotiation and settlement of disputes with airports and the FAA; federal court experience in airport and environmental issues; FAA regulatory matters; Environmental impact statements and federal environmental law and land use law and regulation.
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