Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Brings Business, Labor and Policy Leaders together to Support T.F. Green
The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce joined local business, labor and policy leaders today at T.F. Green Airport to voice support for continued modernization and runway expansion at the state’s largest commercial airport. The event, which comes just weeks after the Federal Aviation Administration announced its preferred alternative of an 8,700 foot main runway, was held to mobilize the business community around a course of action for moving this important project forward.
In today’s challenging economic climate it is more important than ever for Rhode Island businesses, employees and residents to send a clear and loud message that our state is open for business and travel,” said Laurie White, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. “Extending the runway and much needed infrastructure improvements will put us in a position to meet the needs of airlines and air travel consumers while at the same time positively impacting our economic future.”
Charting a plan of action, White announced that the Chamber will be sending a
letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in support of Alternative B-4, which extends the runway to 8,700 feet to the south. She also encouraged members of the business community to do the same. In addition, White announced the Chamber is reenergizing the
Go Green Alliance, a collaborative effort of community leaders, economic development professionals and business executives, who support the completion of the T.F. Green Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Alliance will be organized through the Chamber’s web site
www.providencechamber.com"We are at an important crossroads,” she said. “T.F. Green Airport is a significant economic engine for Rhode Island and as a community we have the opportunity to re-shape the Rhode Island transportation story. The best way to do this is to come together to support this process and work with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, the FAA and the host
community to study the issues and respond in a spirit of cooperation. We need to keep this momentum going and push for a conclusion to this process.”
The Chamber of Commerce and more specifically its Transportation Committee, has long advocated for the extension of the main runway as well as other terminal improvements, citing the importance in allowing non-stop service to the west coast among other benefits.
"T.F. Green’s short runway continues to be a major vulnerability,” said Richard Plotkin, chair of the Chamber Transportation Committee and CPA/PFS with CBIZ Tofias & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. “In fact T.F. Green has the second shortest runway length of any medium-hub airport in the county. This effort is an effective economic development strategy for Rhode Island. It is also clearly a safety issue that needs to be addressed."
Dr. Kathleen Hittner, Chair of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation Board of Directors, said, “We appreciate the support of the business community, which is important to Green’s success. We all recognize that a strong and vibrant transportation system is needed for Rhode Island to be part of the global economy. This proposed, significant airport improvement will help make the airport competitive by enabling us to attract more air service and new business to the state.”&