House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi said Monday he has cleared the runway for House passage of legislation giving Warwick representation on the Rhode Island Airport Corporation board of directors. Introduced by Warwick/Cranston Rep. Joseph McNamara, the bill would give the Warwick mayor the power to name one member of the seven-member board.

The measure was slated to come before the House Corporations Committee, chaired by Rep. Joseph Solomon Jr. on Wednesday.

“It’s going to pass,” Shekarchi said following the Memorial Day service held Monday morning outside Warwick City Hall. He looked over at Solomon who was standing nearby. Solomon nodded in agreement. The Speaker added it would then come before the full House next week where it would pass.

Over the years since the operation and maintenance of the state’s six airports was transferred from the state Department of Transportation to a semi-autonomous subsidiary of the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation in 1992, Warwick has had sporadic representation on the board. In recent years, however, Warwick has not had the authority to make a board appointment.

Since Warwick is host to the largest of the state’s six airports,  Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Mayor Frank Picozzi reasons the board should have Warwick representation. The issue flared when city questioned RIAC’s plan to build a $100 million air cargo hub south of the terminal abutting Strawberry Field Road west. Picozzi wants truck traffic to the facility diverted from local roads – Main Avenue and Post Road – and despite verbal assurances that that would happen Picozzi wants a written memorandum of understanding, MOU, included in the Environmental Assessment approved by the FAA. Warwick appealed for a review of the FAA’s findings and RIAC is designing a rotary system enabling trucks to access the Airport Connector. But, as of yet, there is no MOU.

McNamara’s legislation has the support of the full Warwick delegation.

“Looking back at the expansion and its continuing expansion, the airport has had a tremendous impact on the city,” McNamara said Tuesday. He called Green Airport unique in that it is in the middle of a city and regardless of where you live has an impact on the quality of life from the operation of late night flights, traffic and air quality. “It all impacts our lives.” He feels having an individual on the RIAC board who understands and lives that is important.

Mayor Picozzi and Ward 3 Councilman Tim Howe spoke in favor of the bill when first heard by the committee. Other than testimony favoring city representation there was no verbal opposition to the bill.  However, counsel for the governor’s office questioned the constitutionality of the mayor making a gubernatorial appointment. The city responded that the Quonset Development Corporation where representatives from neighboring towns is one example where municipalities name a representative.

Reached Tuesday afternoon, Picozzi said he heard of an amendment to the bill, but he didn’t have the details. McNamara said the proposal was for the mayor to nominate three candidates for the post and for the governor to make a selection.

Picozzi questioned, however, would the governor be required to select one of the three or would he have the ability to reject the full slate. “I guess it is better than nothing,” he said.

Less than an hour later Picozzi reported McNamara had informed him that the governor would be required to pick one of the candidates nominated by the mayor.

“It’s a good compromise,” Picozzi said.

As it turns out John Justo who Gov. McKee named to the RIAC board last year is a Warwick resident. Justo is no stranger to public service. He served as a member of the Warwick Sewer Authority. Picozzi pointed out that Justo was not his selection nor does he report to the mayor and City Council.”

“This is what we’re trying to do, get a voice,” he said.

Senators Matthew LaMountain and Mark McKenney are co-sponsors of the Senate version of the bill. LaMountain offered no opinion on passage of the measure, but called it a “good local bill.” As for the amendment, he said, “I’m sure the mayor can develop a short list of residents who could do an outstanding job.”