T.F. Green Receives $5.5 Million In Federal Reimbursements

WARWICK, RI —T.F. Green Airport will soon have $5.5 million to improve baggage screening systems, part of a provision of the recently passed federal appropriations bill. Senator Jack Reed, who was behind the measure, gathered with airport officials to discuss the importance of safe air travel.

"Paying for these security upgrades is a federal responsibility," Reed said. "Congress mandated stronger airport security and the federal government must fulfill its commitment and reimburse airports that took appropriate measures to protect the travelling public. In the wake of 9/11, Rhode Island airport officials answered the call to improve security, putting the safety of passengers above all else and dedicating significant financial resources to do so. Finally, the federal government is paying them back and I will continue pressing to ensure Rhode Island is fully reimbursed by the federal government."

Under the provision, the airport will be eligible to be reimbursed for the upgrades. In the past years, the senator has secured more than $200 million in federal funding to modernize the airport and expand the runway.

T.F. Green has gained a reputation as a convenient, clean airport in recent years, serving as the official airport of the New England Patriots and competing to be USA Today's "Best Small Airport" in the country.

Since the early 2000s, the Rhode Island Airport Corporation has worked to install safety technology and upgrades, Reed's office said, though it has never been reimbursed for these efforts.

"In addition to enhanced security, the baggage screening investment also helps reduce airline delays by efficiently checking thousands of bags per hour," the office said in a release. "Despite the fact that the airport installed in-line systems early, enhancing safety and saving the federal government millions of dollars in reduced labor and workers’ compensation costs, RIAC has never been reimbursed."

Every day, TSA workers screen approximately 5,700 passengers and crew at T.F. Green, with crowds as high as 8,000 people per day during peak travel times. In 2019, more than 2.1 million people were screened at the airport, along with 1.12 million checked bags.

"On behalf of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation and all the travelers we serve I want to express my gratitude to Senator Reed for his commitment to improving passenger safety in Rhode Island and throughout the nation," said Iftikhar Ahmad, the president and CEO of the RIAC. "Senator Reed, as the Ranking Member Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, has long recognized the important role our local airports play creating jobs and supporting the local economy, and we thank he and all our partners in ensuring Rhode Island receives its fair share of federal funds vital in helping us further our important mission."