Block Island Airport awarded $2.6m for expansion

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WLNE) — Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Seth Magaziner said Wednesday that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation has been awarded nearly $2.6 million for upgrades to Block Island Airport.

The lawmakers said the funds will be used to support construction of a 29,100 square foot terminal apron expansion to the existing 115,809 square foot apron.

The apron is an area that planes use to park and the expansion will allow the airport to host more aircraft, and increase operational efficiency.

Funding for the project comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program.

Block Island State Airport meets the needs of island residents and visitors year-round,” Whitehouse said. “I am pleased to help secure this federal investment that will expand and improve key airport infrastructure and boost the island’s economy for years to come.”

Last month, Reed and Whitehouse secured $9 million for improvements to T.F Green Airport.