The state has moved a step closer to building the Warwick Intermodal Train Station, which could be in operation by the end of 2001. Last Monday (July 19), the Rhode Island Department of Transportation received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from the Federal Highway Administration. That finding paves the way for the development – known as Warwick Station – to move forward.
Besides the environmental findings, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has announced the hiring of a consultant to assist the agency in a nationwide search for a developer to invest in the area around the station. State and Warwick officials are convinced that an Amtrak station and adjoining commercial development, will capitalize on the enormous success of T.F. Green Airport.
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“This project reflects Rhode Island’s ability to develop ‘smart’ infrastructure that is truly business friendly,” said John Swen, director of the EDC. “It will become another compelling argument for businesses to take advantage of Rhode Island’s proximity to New York and Boston. High-speed rail service and the benefits of T.F. Green Airport give the state a significant edge to both new and existing businesses.”
Warwick Station is the center piece of a proposed new business district and inter-modal transportation center linking an Amtrak station with T.F. Green.
It will represent the closest Amtrak line to an airport in the country – within a quarter of a mile. Baltimore is the next closest, with an airport and train station about five miles apart.
The pieces of Warwick Station are beginning to fall into place. Two new zoning designations have been adopted by the Warwick City Council and a redevelopment agency has been established. The Warwick Station Redevelopment District is no longer an idea, but a reality.
The Warwick Station project is being fueled by $25 million in federal dollars out of the $207 billion federal Highway Bill. Beyond that federal windfall, the project will be funded by private investors.
A key to the project – in addition to the soaring popularity of T.F. Green – will be the construction of the new train station. In May of 1998, the city received $15 million to build a train station by the airport and $10 million to connect the train station and the airport. The New York-Boston Amtrak line passes within 1,200 feet of the airport terminal.
Warwick Station is expected to include a skywalk, retail shops, office complexes, a conference center, hotels and parking garages. In the newly created district, according to preliminary plans, an emphasis will be placed on maintaining open spaces for walking, artwork and fountains in a park-like environment.
Jefferson Boulevard will be the primary route for traffic to the new train station. The center of the proposed business district will be a ten-block area between the new train station and the airport terminal.
William D. Ankner, director of the DOT, called the FONSI finding a “significant milestone.”
“Completing the FONSI in such a short period of time is a testament to those who are dedicated to seeing the Warwick Intermodal Train Station come to life,” said Ankner.
The DOT and the Warwick Station Redevelopment Agency will sponsor workshops to discuss the train station’s potential designs.
