Go Green Advocate May 12, 2004

Welcome to the first edition e-mail newsletter of the Go Green Alliance. We are a group committed to helping improve Rhode Island's economic future by supporting the completion of a revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to determine the viability of expansion at Green. An EIS is a study conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ascertain the impact of a project on the environment, including: noise, land use, air and water quality, wetlands, social impacts and induced socioeconomic impacts.We invite you to visit our Web site:

www.gogreenalliance.org.

Breaking News

DEM Wins Grant for Air Quality Study at Green (click here)

May 12, 2004

A New Way to Voice Support for Economic Growth in Rhode Island: The Go Green Alliance

The Go Green Alliance Web site was launched last month as an ongoing source of information about the planning process for improvements at T. F. Green Airport and as an efficient means to communicate your support to your lawmakers.

Now, the Alliance personally invites you to visit the site and utilize its features to communicate your support. The Go Green Alliance is a community of leaders like you who recognize that a vibrant and growing Green Airport is critical to the State's economic future.

The Alliance will email the Go Green Alliance Newsletter to you as new events occur that impact the planning process. If you would like us to add a friend or colleague to our mailing list please click here.

Airport Corporation Approves Study of Longer Runway

The Next Step: Federal Aviation Administration Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

James V. Rosati
Chairman, Rhode Island Airport Corporation Board of Directors

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) voted to seek federal approval to extend T. F. Green Airport's main runway to 9,500 feet. The 6-to-1 vote adopted a 9,500-foot main runway as part of the airport master plan, and asked the Federal Aviation Administration to begin an environmental study of the project.

RIAC also announced it will support the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) on a grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to initiate a toxic air pollutant monitoring program in Warwick.

ìIn an effort to address community concerns about air pollutant emissions in Warwick and around T. F. Green Airport, we will work in conjunction with the RIDEM to secure federal monies to initiate this air toxic study,î said James Rosati, Chairman of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation Board of Directors. ìWhile air quality studies nationally have concluded that greater air pollutants are derived from vehicular traffic than airplane emissions, we nevertheless wish to further demonstrate our commitment to Mayor Avedisian and the residents of the City by working diligently to fulfill their request for an airport air quality monitoring program.î

If the RIDEM is not able to secure EPA funding for this important study, Rosati has directed RIAC staff to set aside $250,000 - $300,000 in next fiscal year's budget (which begins this July 1st ) to undertake an air toxic pollutant study in concert with the RIDEM.

Once all approvals and financing fall into place, airport consultant John van Woensel estimated Green could open an extended main runway by 2010.

Distinguished Leaders

Alan Hassenfeld & Ronald Machtley to Co-Chair Go Green Alliance

Hasbro, Inc. Chairman Alan Hassenfeld

The Go Green Alliance is an organization of community leaders, economic development professionals and business executives who have formed a coalition to support proposed improvements to Green Airport, including extending the runway to 9,500 feet.

The Go Green Alliance contends the improvements are necessary to help drive the momentum of the Rhode Island economy, while improving the safety of air travel.

James Hagan, President of the Providence Chamber of Commerce, organized the selection process of co-chairs for the Go Green Alliance.

Ronald Machtley, President of Bryant College and Alan Hassenfeld, Chairman of the Board of Hasbro, Inc. were selected for this important role.

ìRonald Machtley is an experienced national legislator and educator and Alan Hassenfeld is chairman of a global Fortune 500 company,î said Hagan. ìBoth are visionary leaders who understand the importance of Rhode Island remaining competitive in an increasingly mobile and global economy.î

Bryant College President Ronald Machtley

ìRhode Island benefited from dramatic economic growth in the 1990's fueled, in large part, by increased airport investment and use,î said Machtley. ìNow we are falling behind our regional competition in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut, who have taken decisive action to keep their airport facilities up-to-date, including extended runways.î

The Go Green Alliance supports the completion of a revised Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to determine the viability of expansion at Green, as recommended by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) Board.

An EIS is a study conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ascertain the impact of a project on the environment, including: noise, land use, air & water quality, wetlands, social impacts and induced socioeconomic impacts.

ìProceeding responsibly and decisively to meet the needs of the State economy, while mitigating the impact of these improvements and safety modifications on local residents, is of vital importance to the Go Green Alliance,î said Hassenfeld. îThe completion of a revised EIS is the first step in this process and we are committed to moving it forward.î

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