TxDOT to Pay to Keep 13 Small Airport Towers Open

The Texas Department of Transportation says it will pay to keep air traffic control towers open at 13 small airports when those facilities lose federal money next month.

Two of the 13 towers are in North Texas -- Dallas Executive and Collin County Regional at McKinney.  To see a full list of closures, click here.

Gov. Rick Perry had asked the agency to step in when the federal budget cuts take place April 7. The Texas Transportation Commission said Thursday it will approve the money at an emergency session next week.

Officials estimate it would cost about $7 million a year to keep the towers open. Perry asked the agency to provide 90 days of emergency assistance.

Perry and transportation officials say keeping the towers operating is important for safety and commerce in Texas.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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