FAA could help fund TF Green expansion

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Several Rhode Island leaders say the time is now to move forward with runway expansion at T.F. Green Airport.

Governor Lincoln Chafee, Senator Jack Reed, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and Rhode Island Airport Corporation President Kevin Dillon have scheduled a news conference for Tuesday, to discuss a new bill that could help pay for the long-talked about airport improvements.

According to a news release from Senator Reed's office, the FAA bill signed into law by President Barack Obama last week authorizes $63.4 billion in federal funding over the next four years to support airport improvement projects.  It is the first long-term law guiding FAA policy and spending since 2007.

"Now that the FAA bill has been signed into law, we must seize this opportunity to get this project off the ground," says Senator Reed in the news release.

Last year, the FAA approved plans to extend the main runway at T.F. Green Airport, but the city is challenging the approval in court, citing environmental and safety concerns.