Rhode Island Airports Receive $24M In Coronavirus Funding

WARWICK, RI — Rhode Island's public airports received more than $24 million of the $2.2 trillion federal coronavirus relief package. T.F. Green, the largest airport in the state, received most of the funding, while smaller facilities were offered between $30,000 and just over $1 million each.

Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation, said the organization is "extremely grateful" to Sen. Jack Reed and the rest of the state's congressional delegation.

"Continued airport operations are an essential component of our state’s supply chain, as well as Rhode Island’s ability to respond to emergencies," Ahmad said.

In January and February, T.F. Green Airport saw an increase in passengers compared to last year, the RIAC said, however passenger volume is expected to remain precipitously low in the coming months. The return to 2019 levels is expected to take several years, the corporation said.

"While a return to 2019 passenger levels will be a long, challenging, multi-year process, these funds will better allow Rhode Island to weather the storm of coronavirus and allow us to help restore our state’s economic health and consumer demand for safe travel," Ahmad continued.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, passed by Congress, supports the nation's coronavirus relief efforts, as well as increased federal share of Airport Improvement Program and Supplemental Discretionary grants to 100 percent. The grants can be used for high priority projects determined by the corporation and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Rhode Island airport's each received the following from the funding package, for a total of $24,017,194:

• Block Island State Airport: $1,069,162
• Newport State Airport: $30,000
• North Central State Airport: $30,000
• Quonset State Airport: $69,000
• T.F. Green State Airport: $21,746,229
• Westerly State Airport: $1,072,803

"This federal funding provides a critical investment in our people as well as our essential airport infrastructure at a time when COVID-19 has had a historic impact on air travel and airport revenues," said Jonathan Savage, Board Chair of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. "We truly appreciate the efforts of Senator Reed and our Congressional delegation in helping Rhode Island through this difficult period."

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