WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help more families who are adversely affected by airport noise, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) will receive $5 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to acquire 21 homes in the voluntary home acquisition program located near T.F. Green Airport.

"This federal funding will provide a $5 million infusion for the home acquisition program. This program continues to provide an alternative for families around T.F. Green Airport who have been forced to cope with airport noise," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee which oversees federal funding for the program.

Kevin Dillon, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation stated, "We are appreciative of the efforts of Senator Reed and the members of our congressional delegation to obtain federal funding for important airport projects. This $5 million allocated to the important voluntary home acquisition program will accelerate the buyout of additional homes in Warwick."

In the past, Senator Reed brought key FAA officials to Rhode Island to show them firsthand the airport's growth and the related growing pains that expansion has had on the local community, especially in terms of greater aircraft noise. In addition, Reed urged the FAA to carefully study the increased airport traffic to determine what additional steps would be needed to abate airport noise and secured a commitment to increase the amount FAA funds for soundproofing at T.F. Green.

The voluntary home acquisition program is a continuing effort by RIAC to mitigate the impact of noise to the surrounding communities.