McMorris Rodgers Reaffirms Commitment to Keep Felts Field Air Traffic Control Tower Open

Statement

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers today visited and toured the facilities at Felts Field, including, most prominently, the air traffic control tower that provides invaluable benefit to the region. She released the following statement after her visit:

"My visit to Felts Field today only further reaffirmed my commitment to ensure that the air traffic control tower remains open. It plays an active and integral role in the safety, economy and technological advancement of Eastern Washington -- and by keeping the tower open, we will continue to preserve jobs in our community, especially for local veterans.

"Felts Field is home to over 250 aircrafts and 57 tenants, including Northwest MedStar Critical Care Transport Service, Spokane Turbine Center, Moody Aviation School, Spokane Community College, Rocket Engineering, Eagle Helicopter, GARCO Construction, and Inland Construction. Felts Field has maintained manned air traffic control for decades -- and I will continue to do all that I can to make sure it remains open for many more decades to come."

This past year, Rep. McMorris Rodgers initiated a dialogue with House Leadership, in addition to Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Bill Shuster regarding the importance of the Felts Field contract tower in providing safety and security to the region. Additionally, in April, she sent a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, to express concern over the FAA's decision to close 149 contract control towers due to sequestration.

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