Rep. Farenthold Urges FAA to Reconsider Closure of Smaller Airport Traffic Control Towers

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold (TX-27), sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administration head Michael Huerta questioning the agency's plan to close air traffic control towers in smaller, local airports as a result of sequestration cuts.

In the letter, Congressman Farenthold said he was deeply troubled by the proposed actions of the FAA regarding smaller airports, like the one in Victoria, Texas, as they have long played a vital role in local economies across the country.

"A closure of the air traffic control tower at Victoria Regional Airport will have a negative economic impact on the city of Victoria, Texas and the surrounding region. Having a non-viable commercial carrier and the loss of private/charter aircraft service to the regional airport will negatively impact businesses, business travelers, dealers, customers, and the Victoria community.

"As I continue to work with our local officials and the business community to find solutions to your agency's failure to propose rational solutions to minimize the effect of these cuts on the aviation infrastructure and the traveling public, I request you provide the total annual costs required to operate the Contract Tower at Victoria Regional Airport."

Source