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Rhode Island Construction Jobs Created by Airport Renovations

Posted on April 21, 2009

More than 100 new Rhode Island construction jobs will be created through airport renovation projects.

The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded $6.2 million to the Rhode Island Airport Corporation for two construction projects at the state’s general aviation airports. Work at Quonset Airport and Newport Airport will create about 150 jobs in design, construction and contract work.

Nationwide, a total of $1.1 million in stimulus money was given out for airport renovation, with $53 million of that in New England.

The first project will entail reconstruction, marking and lighting of Taxiway A at Quonset Airport, totaling $3.5 million. The remaining $2.7 million will be used for reconstruction, marking and lighting of Runway 16-34 at Newport Airport.

“The Quonset and Newport airports both play a vital role in the transporting of goods and people, and these funds will be used to make much needed improvements,” Gov. Donald L. Carcieri said in a press release. “Infrastructure improvements, such as these and the $137 million in stimulus-funded DOT projects, create good paying jobs and lay a foundation for a stronger economic future for Rhode Island.”

The two projects are part of RIAC’s Capital Improvement Projects plan, which is aimed at maintaining existing facilities. Both projects meet the FAA criteria for Airport Improvement Projects and rank high on the national priority index for runways and taxiways.

Design for the projects has already begun, and it’s anticipated that bids will be released in May, awarded in June and started in July. Both projects are tentatively scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

“The Rhode Island Airport Corporation continues to develop the general aviation infrastructure,” Kevin Dillon, president and CEO, said in the press release. “These important federal funds will allow us to advance critical rehabilitation projects at Quonset and Newport airports.

“The state’s general aviation airports play an important role in generating jobs and economic activity for the state, as well as serving corporate, private and military aviation needs,” he added.

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