T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationArchaeological investigations at Warwick Historical Cemetery (WHC) 26, 76, 77, and 78 were completed inApril 2011. The boundaries of WHC 26 and 76 were determined, and the boundaries of WHC 77 and 78 havenot been confirmed. 141 The results of these surveys will assist FAA and RIAC in further consultation with theWarwick Historical Cemetery Commission and the Narragansett Indian Tribe relative to potential impactsresulting from the T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program in accordance with Section 106 of the NationalHistoric Preservation Act, as amended, Rhode Island General Law 23-18-1 et seq., and Chapter 12 of the Code ofOrdinances of the City of Warwick.Both Alternatives B2 and B4 would encroach on WHC 26 (located at the Runway 5 End), and the Alternative B4Main Avenue Realignment would also encroach on the 25-foot buffer surrounding WHC 77 (located onresidential property south of Main Avenue). The survey revealed that there are no unmarked graves betweenthe boundary of WHC 77 and Main Avenue. Neither cemetery (WHC 26 nor 77) is eligible for the NationalRegister of Historic Places but they are protected under Rhode Island General Law 23-18-1 et seq., andChapter 12 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Warwick.WHC 76 is contained within the iron fence that currently defines the cemetery. If the adjacent property isacquired under the Part 150 VLAP and the building is demolished, RIAC will consult with the WarwickHistorical Cemetery Commission and the Narragansett Indian Tribe as the potential impacts will fall within the25-foot buffer.The survey at WHC 78 identified several locations that could be unmarked burials. The presence of unmarkedburials could be confirmed through subsurface investigations if such investigations are approved by propertyowners. Impacts near WHC 78 due to the Alternative B4 Realigned Main Avenue will be within the existingnorthern limits of Main Avenue and therefore may only fall within the 25-foot buffer around the currentlyestablished buffer. Further subsurface investigations may be required and the boundary may require revision.3.9.3.6 Construction Costs and PhasingThe construction and land acquisition costs for Alternatives B2 and B4 are approximately $516 million forAlternative B2 and $439 million for Alternative B4. Construction and land acquisition costs associated withFully Relocated Airport Road (Alternative B2) alone are anticipated to be over $50 million (see Table 3-12).Alternative B2 has substantially higher construction costs (an additional $77 million) and greater impacts tocommunity resources (i.e., disruption to community, mandatory relocation of businesses, and mandatoryrelocation of residences) than Alternative B4, but Alternative B2 would improve east-west traffic flow throughthe full relocation of Airport Road. Alternative B4 has less impact to wetlands, is less disruptive to residentialproperties and businesses, and has substantially lower construction costs than Alternative B2.Alternative B2 PhasingAlternative B2 safety projects including land acquisition and associated enabling projects would all becompleted by the end of 2015. Land acquisition for Fully Relocated Airport Road and the Runway 5-23141 The exact boundaries of WHC 77 and 78 are not confirmed because permission has not been granted to strip top soils around the perimeter of visibleheadstones at these cemeteries. At this time the unconfirmed boundary for WHC 78 is the limits of the designated cemetery lot.Chapter 3 – Alternatives Analysis 3-46 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH03_Alternatives_JUL_2011.doc