T.F. Green Airport in Providence Doubles Traffic

Passenger traffic kept increasing, peaking last year. It has tailed off in the past year as airlines have cut routes nationwide, but at Green, the talk is all of future expansion. The airport is studying the impact of extending its runway to accommodate nonstop transcontinental routes. At the same time, the terminal is undergoing an $83.5-million renovation to expand concessions and security checkpoints and move unwieldy security equipment out of the main concourse, thus cutting down on congestion. The expansion to almost 450,000 square feet is on schedule, and expected to be completed toward the end of 2007.

The success of the terminal has even turned some of its staunchest foes into converts -- and now, has them spreading the faith.

By coincidence, former terminal opponent Levesque was reached for comment on his cell phone while in the T.F. Green terminal, after flying in from Washington.

"Irony has its place in political history," Levesque said, chuckling as he related how he now uses the size, beauty and convenience of the airport in business pitches in his current job, as outreach coordinator for Harrah's Entertainment.

"I just stepped off a plane . . . and I love the fact that out-of-staters brag about our airport. It was a wonderful idea," he said.

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