The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) yesterday formally denied a request by the Rhode Island Raceway Park Associates (RIRPA) to construct and operate a drag racing track at Quonset State Airport.
In a letter to RIRPA President Joseph Pucino, RIAC stated that such activity has raised security concerns by the Rhode Island Air National Guard about operating a raceway adjacent to its facility. RIAX also noted that the Federal Aviation Administration stated in a letter dated April 30, 2002 that drag racing is not compatible use at Quonset State Airport and that it would “fundamentally conflict with the currently approved airport layout plan.”
According to Michael Cheston, executive Director of RIAC, the organization also took into consideration input it received from local elected officials and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, its parent organization, when considering this request for non-airport related use.
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“While Raceway Park Associates received approval from the North Kingstown Town Council and the Quonset Davisville Management Committee, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation received a significant number of objections from local and state elected officials,” said Cheston. “We ultimately concluded that drag racing is not the highest and best use of Quonset State Airport, and have been actively seeking other, more aviation-compatible uses for that part of the airport.”
