Funds for Improvement Projects at Newport and Quonset Airports Total $6.2 Million
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced the award of $6.2 Million to the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) for two important construction projects at the state’s general aviation airports. Monies for the airport stimulus package total $1.1 billion overall, with $53 million of that being allocated to the New England Region.
Funds awarded for reconstruction, marking and lighting of Taxiway A at Quonset Airport total $3.5 million. $2.7 million was awarded for work at Newport Airport, which entails reconstruction, marking and lighting of Runway 16-34. Both the Taxiway and Runway measure approximately 2,600 ft. x 75 ft.
"The Quonset and Newport airports both play a vital role in the transporting of goods and people, and these funds will be used to make much needed improvements," said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. "Infrastructure improvements, such as these and the $137 million in stimulus-funded DOT projects, create good paying jobs and lay a foundation for a stronger economic future for Rhode Island."
“The Rhode Island Airport Corporation continues to develop the general aviation infrastructure. These important federal funds will allow us to advance critical rehabilitation projects at Quonset and Newport Airports,” said Kevin Dillon, President and CEO. “The state’s general aviation airports play an important role in generating jobs and economic activity for the state, as well as serving corporate, private and military aviation needs.”
Quonset’s Taxiway A and Runway 16-34 at Newport Airport are part of RIAC’s Capital Improvement Projects aimed at maintaining existing facilities. Both projects meet the FAA criteria for Airport Improvement Projects and rank high on the national priority index for Runways and Taxiways.
Project design has commenced. It is anticipated that bids will be released in May, with an award in June and notice to proceed in July. Both projects are tentatively scheduled for completion by year end. Work at both Quonset and Newport Airports will involve an estimated150 jobs through design, construction and contract work.