The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) is expected to launch a dedicated webpage this Friday as part of the process of updating its 20-year master plan. The webpage that can be accessed through the airport’s website, www.pvdairport.com, will provide access to documents, updates and community outreach opportunities.

According to a release no runway lengthening or realignment is under consideration. This process will focus on defining feasible and flexible development plans to accommodate forecasted demand over a 20-year period. The FAA ties federal funding to availability of such plans by airports.

The FAA defines the master planning process for airports nationwide and encourages updates to provide the framework needed to guide future airport development. By their nature, master plans strive to balance the anticipated pace of airport growth and the cost-effectiveness of aviation demand.  Importantly, Master Plans also provide the airport with the necessary tools to react to uncertainties by examining key trends in the aviation industry, technology improvements and regional economic development variables.  

“Ultimately, passenger growth at T. F. Green will decide if there are any development projects at the airport. We will look at both air and land side needs,” Iftikhar Ahmad, president and CEO said in a statement. “While putting this plan together, we will focus on opportunities such as terminal capacity, parking, taxiways and aprons.”

The airport Master Plan was last updated in 2002.

RIAC is establishing a Technical Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from local, state and federal governmental agencies, airlines, concessions and private businesses to ensure expertise and input from all stakeholders is captured. There will be a public outreach component, which will include a series of open houses, public workshops for community input and participation, stakeholder outreach and ongoing social media updates in addition to the webpage.

The RIAC Board of Directors authorized C&S Companies of Syracuse, New York to lead this effort. The Master Plan update will cost approximately $1,310,000.

The webpage will also allow for commentary to be received and answered. Additionally, the community is also encouraged to follow the airport’s social media channels.