T. F. Green airport international expansion

By Dana Griffin

dgriffin@abc6.com

@DanaGriffinABC6

WARWICK, RI- Once passengers fly from overseas, the new terminal at T.F. Green Airport will greet them.

Sen. Jack Reed said, “We have a much more easier way to promote Rhode Island as a destination point when you can go to Europeans and say, direct flights to Rhode Island– see where America began.”

Today, Sen. Reed toured part of the $110 million federal investment, which will service two international airlines from Cabo Verde and Germany.

Kelly Fredericks, President and CEO of RI Airport Corporation said, “It’s like getting ready for the big game. We’re really excited about June 2nd and we think we got all the bugs worked out and we’ll move forward from there.”

When international planes land at Green, passengers won’t go through the regular terminal, instead they’ll move through a special customs area in this new terminal.

It has enhanced technology and an inspection area, plus an agricultural center to make sure foreign plants do not enter into the U.S.

U. S. Border Protection agent, Helen Sterling said, “If we have any that look like they might have a seed or some type of item that they should not have, we can inspect it in there.”

Officers have had cross–training at Logan airport and for security reasons, the number of staff members working inside the terminal cannot be released.

Near baggage claim are touches of Rhode Island like photos of Waterfire and Point Judith.

Senator Reed believes if more people come through Rhode Island, more money will be spent here.

Passengers flying to Cabo Verde on June 2^nd will be the first to experience the new terminal.

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