Congressman Stephen F. Lynch released the following statement in response to yesterday’s decision from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  Lynch recently expressed concern to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta over the scheduled closings in a letter last month with the Massachusetts Cnogressional Delegation and a letter sent Thursday with Representative Bob Goodlatte and 45 House colleagues.  

“The Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to delay the closures of 149 contract air traffic control towers is a step in the right direction.  Five of these towers are located in Massachusetts – Norwood, New Bedford, Lawrence, Beverly, and Worcester and are critical to their communities and to the safety and efficiency of our national air transportation system.  Originally scheduled to close this Sunday, April 7th, the towers will now remain open until June 15th, giving Congress additional time to work with the FAA on an alternate solution.  The additional time will also give the FAA an opportunity to work with pilots and airport operators to ensure that any changes are properly implemented and the safety of the flying public and surrounding communities is not compromised.”