Here’s a letter I just sent in to The Providence Journal about my local airport. Maybe I’ll get lucky and be published again:
Recently, AT&T chose to move its corporate headquarters from San Antonio, Texas, to Dallas, Texas. One of the primary reasons for this change was a lack of direct service from San Antonio’s airport. Rhode Islanders should learn from this recent news item: plentiful air service is important for business.
T.F. Green Airport is a highly important economic asset for the state that can help fuel future economic growth. While the current renovations going on at the airport are a step in the right direction, they are not enough. There are two other projects at Green that have hit constant roadblocks. The intermodal rail station will provide rail service to Providence and Boston and an updated rental car facility. A lengthened runway will allow for flights to more destinations flown with an expanded fleet mix. The newly-proposed 8,700′ option is a suitable alternative to the 9,350′ option. It is more economical and can be completed faster, while still allowing Green to be competitive in New England.
Enhancements at Green are vital for Rhode Island’s economy. They will attract new businesses to the state, and more importantly, encourage local businesses to stay, and expand, in Rhode Island.
Daniel Webb
Harrisville
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Unfortunately, the State of Rhode Island has pulled the five rail passenger cars that were to service the Warwick Intermodal from the project. There is no provision at all in the budget to send trains to Warwick. We are building a train station without trains. Also, there is no money to extend the primary runway at Green State Airport. RIAC is living in a field of dreams.