FAA backs runway expansion at TF Green

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - The Federal Aviation Administration is tentatively backing a proposal to expand the main runway at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick to the south, on the Main Ave. side of the runway.

The agency announced its support of the plan as its preferred alternative Tuesday morning. However, it's final approval won't come until it makes a record of decision, which according to airport spokeswoman Patti Goldstein, won't come until next year.

Officials from the Rhode Island Airport Corporation said extending the runway to the south would have less of an impact on the city and its residents, while meeting the safety and operational needs of the airport. The FAA was considering two other expansion plans, both would extend the runway to the north - toward Airport Rd.

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian has opposed past expansion plans
and said he still has questions about the current proposal.

The Preferred Plan

The proposed plan would lengthen runway 5-23 by about 1,600 feet, for a total of 8,700 feet and would allow for non-stop west coast flights.

To accommodate the expansion, airport officials said Main Ave. would need to be shifted to the south, around the expanded runway. Eleven homes and 10 businesses would be affected by mandatory acquisition. An additional 134 homes could be eligible for acquisition due to noise impact and another 67 homes and 1 business in the runway protection zone could also be taken.

The other two plans would have required the acquisition of 97 homes/45 businesses and 69 homes/42 businesses respectively and another 211 or 97 homes due to noise.

Airport officials also said the two other plans would have a more substantial impact on area wetlands.

Airport Rd. Impact

The proposed plan would also shift runway 16-34 north, about 100 feet. According to airport officials, this would require the relocation of Airport Rd. at the intersection of Post Rd. and Airport Rd.

The work, according to the FAA, would be done in phases and may be completed by 2015.

Public Meeting

The FAA is holding a public information meeting June 3 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick.

During the meeting, officials are expected to have display boards with updates on the Environmental Impact Statement regarding the preferred expansion plan.