WARWICK, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Mayor Scott Avedisian, and Warwick officials today announced that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) has received a new $6 million installment of federal grant money toward upgrading T.F. Green Airport and its ongoing runway relocation project.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved $6,094,017 to pay for relocating recreational ball fields at Winslow Park to a new area near TF Green Airport and to continue work on expansion projects for Runway 5-23.

In 2011, the FAA approved plans for T. F. Green to extend the primary runway, Runway 5-23, to the south by 1,530 feet to a total length of 8,700 feet.  The longer runway will allow for larger, heavier planes which could mean West Coast and international flight options for travelers.  As part of this overall improvement plan, the airport and Warwick reached an agreement to move the ball fields to a safer location that would make room for the longer runway.

This latest installment of FAA funds will provide funding for the Winslow Park ball fields relocation, which includes the construction of 4 regulation soft ball fields, 2 practice soft ball fields, 3 soccer fields, walking trails, and a new concession stand.  Additionally the project includes a state-of-the art ‘Tot Lot’ to replace the existing one being demolished by the relocation of Main Avenue.  The work is being done by J.H. Lynch & Sons, Inc. and construction is expected to be completed by the end of June 2015, with the total cost of the project being $6.6 million.

“T.F. Green is vital to our state’s economy and upgrading the airport and expanding the runway are smart investments that will help attract new business and jobs to Rhode Island.  This is another positive step toward modernizing T.F. Green and better positioning the state to compete in the future.   It is also a testament to the leadership and hard work of Warwick’s elected leaders who made preserving recreation opportunities a priority in this process,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.  “The airport is a catalyst for economic development throughout the state and I am pleased the FAA continues to support these vital improvements.”

“The Winslow fields are used by hundreds of children every year, and are home to two of our largest recreational groups, Warwick Firefighters Soccer and the Apponaug Girls Softball league,” Avedisian said. “Relocation of those fields was among the city’s many concerns throughout discussions of runway expansion and safety improvements at T.F. Green. We are very pleased that this funding has been issued so that we can continue to provide exceptional recreational opportunities to our youth – and at a modern facility that will be a great asset for our residents. I thank Senator Reed and our congressional delegation for helping to secure this funding, and Dr. Hittner, Kelly Fredericks and the team at RIAC for continuing to work with the city to address issues of concern as expansion projects move forward.” 

Councilwoman Camille Vella-Wilkinson of Ward 3 was gratified by the announcement. “Our City Planner has said that the new Winslow Sports Complex will also increase the value of the homes nearby.  Many families look for property in close proximity to parks and fields where their children can play and compete in a safe area.  I  believe the stores and restaurants in that section of Ward three will also benefit by the increased patronage. This is all part of the multiplier effect the Airport has on our local economy. Warwick is so fortunate that Senator Reed and our other federal delegates have taken an active interest in ensuring the project comes to fruition. This has been an exceptionally satisfying partnership,” said Vella-Wilkinson.

Kelly Fredericks, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, said, “This Winslow Park facility will be a great addition to the community and to the teams and families who will use – it is also part of our commitment to the City of Warwick to be a good neighbor.   We are fortunate to once again receive this funding from our partners at the Federal Aviation Administration.   We appreciate all the efforts of our congressional delegation, and in particular Senator Reed, who continues to be a champion for improvements to this airport.”  

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