Congressman Hartzler speaks out against FAA plan to shut down control towers

Congressman Vicky Hartzler joined several other members in Congress today in sending a letter to the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration protesting the closing of more than 230 air traffic control towers.

Hartzler asked Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and the FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to explain the reasons behind the closings which are being tied to budget sequestration.

Hartzler said the towers are cost effective for taxpayers and provide essential safety for air travel throughout the country.

Towers at airports in Columbia and Jefferson City are slated to close under the FAA’s proposal.