Construction Expected To Begin In 2010

Proponents of a new control tower for Palm Springs International Airport in California received some good news from the FAA Wednesday -- the agency plans to approve a site for the new tower in January.

But that doesn't mean a new tower for PSP is in the immediate future. Even with a site selected in early 2008, construction on the new facility won't start until 2010, reports KNBC-4. The tower would open after two years after that.

Still, that's better than nothing... and there's little disagreement the current tower is inadequate for the fast-growing airport.

"It's taking it up a notch, and the best part is, the FAA is fully funding it," PSP executive director Thomas Nolan said. "The existing tower was built in 1967 and it's time for modernization by building a tower with cutting-edge equipment and better visibility."

The new tower will be 157 feet tall -- over twice the height of the current 67-foot tower. Airport officials would prefer the tower be located at midfield, near the current facility, though that decision will come in January.

Palm Springs Communications Director Cindy Uken says the new tower is expected to give controllers better sight lines for ground operations at PSP, as well as more advanced equipment to monitor traffic in the airspace around the airport.

PSP is gaining popularity with commercial travelers. Through the first half of 2007, the airport saw a 4.5 percent increase in passenger traffic.

A total of 845,313 passengers arrived or departed the airport through that time, said Uken.

FMI: www.palmspringsairport.com/