MiddletownFirst -ProJo article Newport Airport

Online Providence Journal Bulletin 01:00 AM EDT on Monday, April 18, 2005

By RICHARD SALIT

Journal Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN -- The operators of Newport State Airport are embarking on an ambitious project to cut down trees on private property that are considered potential threats to aviation, according to a spokeswoman.

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation has received a $1.26-million grant to ensure safety at Middletown's general aviation airport, used for private and charter operations

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A company hired by the corporation, O.R. Colan, has begun notifying the airport neighbors whose trees will be cut down during the two-year project.

"People are very cooperative when they know it's for the safety of the pilots going in and out of that airport," said Patti Goldstein, vice president of public affairs.

The project will be divided into two, year-long phases. The first, beginning in July, will focus on obtaining property easements to remove obstructions, Goldstein said. Beginning in July of next year, work on the actual removal of trees will begin. Goldstein did not know how many property owners will be affected.

The airport, officially named the Robert F. Wood Air Park, features two runways between 2,700 and 3,000 feet, Goldstein said. Last year, the airport recorded 19,253 departures and arrivals. There are no regularly scheduled flights.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed recently announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation had awarded the grant to the airport corporation. It is not a grant awarded on a yearly basis, Goldstein said.

"The general aviation airports are an integral part of the aviation system in our state," Mark Brewer, president and CEO of the airport corporation, said in a statement. "We are appreciative of the efforts of Senator Reed and the members of our congressional delegation to assist in obtaining federal funding for these critical improvement projects."

Said Reed, "The state's airports are an important part of Rhode Island's efforts to attract and grow manufacturing, business and tourism. This federal money is an essential investment in keeping these facilities up-to-date, safe and convenient."


	Airport wins $1.26-million grant for safety Money will be used to remove trees on private property. Online Providence Journal Bulletin 01:00 AM EDT on Monday, April 18, 2005 By RICHARD SALIT Journal Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN -- The operators of Newport State Airport are embarking on an ambitious project to cut down trees on private property that are considered potential threats to aviation, according to a spokeswoman. The Rhode Island Airport Corporation has received a $1.26-million grant to ensure safety at Middletown's general aviation airport, used for private and charter operations . A company hired by the corporation, O.R. Colan, has begun notifying the airport neighbors whose trees will be cut down during the two-year project. "People are very cooperative when they know it's for the safety of the pilots going in and out of that airport," said Patti Goldstein, vice president of public affairs. The project will be divided into two, year-long phases. The first, beginning in July, will focus on obtaining property easements to remove obstructions, Goldstein said. Beginning in July of next year, work on the actual removal of trees will begin. Goldstein did not know how many property owners will be affected. The airport, officially named the Robert F. Wood Air Park, features two runways between 2,700 and 3,000 feet, Goldstein said. Last year, the airport recorded 19,253 departures and arrivals. There are no regularly scheduled flights. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed recently announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation had awarded the grant to the airport corporation. It is not a grant awarded on a yearly basis, Goldstein said. "The general aviation airports are an integral part of the aviation system in our state," Mark Brewer, president and CEO of the airport corporation, said in a statement. "We are appreciative of the efforts of Senator Reed and the members of our congressional delegation to assist in obtaining federal funding for these critical improvement projects." Said Reed, "The state's airports are an important part of Rhode Island's efforts to attract and grow manufacturing, business and tourism. This federal money is an essential investment in keeping these facilities up-to-date, safe and convenient."