My background is in transportation, so obviously, I’m a huge fan of airports. And I have to tell you, this is a beautiful airport. We have a wonderful partnership here at T.F. Green Airport, and there is lots of potential to help Rhode Island grow economically.
As the Secretary will tell you, the airport grants that we’ve provided played a very, very significant role here. But all of that started here with a vision, a vision that the state of Rhode Island had, a plan for bigger and better, for growth for this airport. And we’re so proud to be partnering with you to leverage this airport and its role in this area. You’ve shown a strong commitment to the flying public as well as to the community.
The airfield improvement program here is going to make a big, big difference. Lengthening the airport’s primary runway will improve efficiency and will enhance safety for the airlines and the traveling public. It will also allow T.F. Green to handle longer haul flights. The new runway safety areas and arrestor beds on the other runways provide an extra margin of safety in the very unlikely event that a pilot needs to use them.
In fact, they’re called “EMAS” – Engineered Materials Arresting System – and what they do is actually slow an airplane to a complete stop if it overruns the main runway area – just as planned. And if you want to know what one looks like, there is an EMAS bed at the end of this runway right behind you. The EMAS at the end of Runway 34 will be done by the end of next year.
The sum total of all that brings us here today. Big things are in store for T.F. Green Airport. I am absolutely confident of that.
Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce the Secretary of Transportation. When the President nominated Anthony Foxx to be Secretary, he said, “He’s got the respect of his peers, mayors, and governors all across the country. He’s going to be extraordinarily effective.” That’s a nice thing to hear coming from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Secretary is an unfailing supporter of aviation, and that’s what brings him here today. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Secretary Anthony Foxx.