Federal funds to rehab airports’ taxiway, runway

WASHINGTON – The $6.2 million in federal grant funding that’s been slated for safety improvements at two Rhode Island airports will rehabilitate a taxiway at Quonset State Airport and runway 16-34 at Newport State Airport.
In a statement, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said the shovel-ready projects would put 150 locals to work.
“As the economy of Aquidneck Island continues to broaden, Newport State Airport becomes even more important,” U.S. Rep Patrick J. Kennedy added in a statement. “By rehabbing this runway, we’ll create jobs immediately and position Newport County for the future.”
The funding is part of the $1.1 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funding that will pay for renovations at 3,400 airports.
“Supporting our smaller airports as part of the recovery plan is important to keep commerce flowing in the state and create new jobs,” U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin said. “The Quonset runway improvements will not only benefit private air traffic, but are also critical to support Rhode Island National Guard members traveling overseas.”