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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluationsubmitted written comments. All oral comments presented in person at the public hearing were recorded by astenographer and a transcript of comments was prepared. Appendix A, Responses to Comments, includes copiesof all comments received on the DEIS, as well as responses to each individual comment.After receiving all of the comments on the DEIS raised by stakeholders in the NEPA process, as well as thepublic, the FAA prepared and issued this FEIS, which incorporates and addresses these comments as well asidentifies the Preferred Alternative, the Environmentally Preferable Alternative, RIAC’s Proposed Action, andan appropriate range of mitigation measures. Based upon the information in this FEIS, the FAA will issue aRecord of Decision (ROD) that documents findings, projected environmental impacts, and mitigation measuresto reduce any potential environmental effects. The ALP would be updated and approved by the FAA afterissuance of the ROD.Since the preparation of the T.F. Green Airport NEPA process resumed in 2005, there has been changes in landuse in the Airport study area and passenger activity levels at the Airport have declined. Changes at T.F. GreenAirport include the construction of an Airfield Maintenance Facility, a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Station,and a parallel Taxiway M. In the areas surrounding the airport, RIAC has continued its Part 150 NoiseCompatibility Program (NCP) 14 and acquired eligible residential properties that are impacted by aircraft noise.The acquisition phase of eligible residential properties was completed in 2009 (referred to as the Completed Part150 Voluntary Land Acquisition Program, or VLAP). In early 2010, RIAC continued the Part 150 NCP based onthe updated Noise Exposure Map (NEM) (accepted by the FAA on July 27, 2010; referred to as the Current Part150 VLAP). Also in 2010, InterLink, located west of the airport entrance and Post Road, was completed. The newfacility provides direct pedestrian access from the T.F. Green terminal to MBTA commuter line, RIPTA Intercitybus lines (in addition to bus lines that run directly to and from the airport terminal), and new consolidatedrental car facilities.Additionally, Airport operations and the condition of aviation industry as a whole fluctuates with changes inthe national and regional economies. Since 2005, airline business models have also shifted. Low-cost carriers(LCCs) are strong in today’s national aviation market, and legacy air carriers are restructuring and cutting costs sothat their business models are likely to become more in line with those of the LCCs. The future competitionbetween the legacy air carriers and LCCs will add to the volatility of the market as well as influence fare structuresand air service choices.Since the aviation activity forecast was originally prepared in 2004, the national and global economic recessionoccurred in 2008-2009 and affected overall aviation demand. FAA Orders 5050.4B and 1050.1E require that thesponsor and FAA consider new information regarding national, regional or site specific aviation trends thatcould affect the project purpose and need developed for the EIS after the start of the NEPA process. Indicatorsof aviation trends include the annual terminal area forecast (TAF) for the airport, the FAA National AerospaceForecast, regional-specific economic trends, regional airport system factors, and site-specific restraints togrowth.14 Voluntary Land Acquisition Program (VLAP) implemented according to the requirements of 14 CFR Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility Planning.Chapter 1 – Introduction and Background 1-6 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH01_Introduction_JUL_2011.doc