Columbia Regional Airport tower to be shut down

The tower at Columbia Regional Airport is closing because automatic budget cuts to the federal government.

Jefferson City Memorial Airport got a warning letter about a potential closure, but it was not included on the final list announced Friday. Columbia Regional was a part of the early proposal but did not get a similar notice.

FAA officials said 149 towers are shutting down nationwide, starting April 7.

“We heard from communities across the country about the importance of their towers and these were very tough decisions,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Unfortunately we are faced with a series of difficult choices that we have to make to reach the required cuts under sequestration.”

The FAA is facing $637 million dollars in required cuts. They said any facility could close if it had no effect on the national interest. Officials promised airports without towers will still be safe.

“We will work with the airports and the operators to ensure the procedures are in place to maintain the high level of safety at non-towered airports,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.