Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is set to receive $10 million in federal funding to upgrade its terminal, thanks to a joint announcement today by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo. The funding, awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the Airport Terminals Program, will support renovations and technology upgrades aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing passenger flow and comfort, and creating a more modern and unified design.
The Airport Terminals Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, focuses on addressing aging airport infrastructure nationwide. This funding will allow PVD to modernize its terminal, accommodate growing passenger traffic, and enhance environmental sustainability.
Planned improvements include backup power and water upgrades for public safety and minimizing travel disruptions. The terminal will also see upgrades to common areas, expanded seating, and renovations to create a “sense of place” incorporating local architecture. ADA accessibility will be improved throughout, and mechanical systems will be upgraded for energy efficiency.
The funding is crucial to accommodate PVD’s increasing passenger numbers, which are projected to exceed the airport’s original design capacity of 2.4 million annual enplanements by 1 million over the next five years. Recent agreements with several airlines are expected to further increase traffic and connect PVD to more domestic and international destinations.
“Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport is an economic engine and the gateway to the Ocean State for many visitors,” said Senator Reed. “Upgrading the concourse will ensure the airport continues to offer a world-class experience for all and can continue to support a high-volume of traffic.”
The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) expressed gratitude for the funding, emphasizing its importance in maintaining and expanding Rhode Island’s hospitality and travel economy. Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of RIAC, highlighted the airport’s role in creating a positive first impression for visitors and supporting the state’s economy.
Jonathan N. Savage, RIAC Board Chair, emphasized the need for modernization, stating that the 30-year-old terminal requires обновления to meet the needs of the growing aviation economy. He expressed gratitude for the congressional delegation’s support in securing the funding.
The project is part of RIAC’s larger Terminal Reconfiguration project, which aims to ensure PVD remains a modern and efficient gateway to Rhode Island.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
