Advertisement

Mass. Congress Members: Keep Control Towers Open

The members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation have sent a letter (PDF) to the Federal Aviation Administration protesting the planned closing of about 200 contract air traffic control towers nationwide.

Six of the towers facing the budget ax serve Massachusetts airports, including those in Beverly, Lawrence, New Bedford, Norwood, Westfield and Worcester.

The letter says the towers help guarantee the safety of the flying public and residents living near the airports, allow for safe arrivals and departures, and prevent midair collisions

Among those signing onto the letter are Democratic congressmen Stephen Lynch and Edward Markey. They're facing each other in the Democratic primary for the upcoming special U.S. Senate election.

The planned closings are part of the fallout from $85 billion in across-the-board federal budget cuts.

This program aired on March 22, 2013. The audio for this program is not available.

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close