Speaker, Mayor at odds over runway

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island House Speaker William Murphy and Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian don't exactly see eye-to-eye on expansion plans for T.F. Green Airport.

As lawmakers search for solutions to the state's dire economic situation, Murphy told the crowd at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday, it’s time to move forward on the long-stalled plan to extend the main runway at the Warwick facility.

"We've been talking about expanding the airport for years," said Murphy. "The bottom line is it's time for us to forget what the naysayers are saying. Let's build an airport."

However, Avedisian said it's not that simple.

"Obviously he was playing to a pro-business crowd," said Avedisian. "To simply say let's go build an airport, I wonder what plan the Speaker wants to build."

The debate over whether to expand the runway is nearly 10 years old. Supporters say the project would boost the state’s business and tourism profile.

"I don't mean to sound callous. But you have 200 to 300 people in the vicinity who protest anytime there's a plan to expand the runway at our airport here in Rhode Island," Murphy said. "Well, when you bought a house near the airport, you knew you were buying a house near the airport."

Opponents, many of whom live near the airport, say runway extension would damage the environment and quality of life.

The mayor said his support for airport expansion depends on what plan the Federal Aviation Administration and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation present to the city.

"I think the people of this city have a right to have an airport that is a good neighbor, no matter what anyone on Smith Hill believes. And, I will continue to fight for the people of this city," Avedisian said.