By: Jessica Rae
jrae@kcautv.com
The FAA says it needs to cut costs, and it may do so by completely shutting down around 230 control towers at smaller airports, including the one at Sioux Gateway.
Now it's important to remember, a lot is just speculation right now with nothing set in stone.
If the tower were to be completely closed it could make it much more difficult for Sioux Gateway to get a second air carrier.
Also, it would hurt any possibility of the military adding a new air base in the area.
Sioux Gateway Director Curt Miller, says, "We have commercial flights, we have private general aviation aircraft, and then we also have the military aircraft that come and go, and all of those use the control tower to coordinate to come in and out."
Miller says as of right now, Sioux Gateway has not received a notice from the FAA about any closures, but if that letter does come he will be ready.
Miller says, "I believe if we get the notice, and they ask for that type of information we'll be prepared to send them a letter and tell them why we believe its important we keep the tower open."
It's not just small airports feeling the pinch, due to the same budget cuts airport control towers in Des Moines and Omaha could go dark during overnight hours if the government's automatic spending cuts go forward.
