Farr statement on DOT plan to keep Salinas Airport tower open

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) released the following statement today after the Department of  Transportation’s announcement on Friday that it would no longer furlough Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees and that 149 contract towers originally slated for closure, including the Salinas Municipal Airport in the Congressman’s district, would remain open:   “I voted for the Reducing Flight Delays Act last month to give Secretary LaHood the flexibility he needed to keep open the contract towers on the FAA’s closure list, including the Salinas Municipal Airport tower. I am pleased that the Secretary used that flexibility and we will not be forced shutter the airport tower that is so vital to the Central Coast’s agriculture community.   “Closing the tower would have jeopardized our local economy. As great as this victory is, it reminds us that every day Washington is creating similar damage to our national economy due to sequestration. We must give all federal agencies this same flexibility to reduce the impact because our economy cannot afford any more self-inflicted wounds.”   To read the Department of Transportation’s release, please visit http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room/statement-us-department-transportation