Governor and Federal Delegation Attend Groundbreaking Ceremony for T.F. Green Runway Extension

By Carmen Russo
WARWICK, R.I. – State politicians lifted their shovels Monday for the groundbreaking ceremony of T.F Green’s runway extension project. The ceremony marked the official beginning of an airport improvement initiative to add 1,500 feet to the end of Runway 523, which will allow for longer flights.
“We’re going to soon be able to say that we have long-haul flights all the way across the country and that is a wonderful thing for Rhode Island,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “It’s a sure signal we are on the move, we are open for business, we have momentum and when we work together as we have for years, we can do anything.”
Elected officials who spoke at the ceremony expect that the extension will not only create jobs during its construction, but will also soon become a key component for the state’s economic development.
“We certainly look forward to welcoming more tourists to enjoy their vacations in the Ocean State while also making it easier for business travelers to visit and conduct business here in Rhode Island,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “We’re also excited to have more options for Rhode Islanders in the future when they seek an easier, more convenient way to travel across the country or overseas.”
The runway extension will be entirely funded with federal money, including some of the $86 million in funding awarded to T.F. Green by the FAA for various airport improvement projects. The project is expected to be finished in December 2017, but is already about a month ahead of schedule.

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Governor Gina Raimondo

Congressman Jim Langevin

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee

RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr.