New Facility To Be Complete By 2012

The 57-year-old air traffic control facility at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is finally getting a replacement.  On Friday elected officials and representatives from the FAA and NATCA officially broke ground on the new $18.8 million tower.

"We are sending a message that we are ready for the future, that we can meet any challenge in the future," said Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-NJ.

The airport wanted to replace the existing 42-ft tower to compliment a new terminal opened several years ago, but needed funding.  Using money from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act has allowed the construction of the new 92-ft modern facility without forcing the county to borrow money for the project.

"We're just not celebrating a new building, we're celebrating a new age in aviation," said Philip Gallagher, president of the local NATCA chapter. Gallagher emphasized the increased capacity for the airport as well as improvements in safety and efficiency.

TRACON file photo

"This is really a new beginning," said airport Director Barry Centini. The new tower will include a state-of-the-art TRACON in the 12,683-square-foot base building.  Instead of worrying   over the possible consolidation of their 18 controllers to another facility, the airport sees this new center as potentially attracting additional radar operations from neighboring airports.

The project is expected to employ more than 300 people over the next year.  "This is one of the larger projects going on at the moment in the area," claimed Drew Simpson, northeast corridor representative of the Greater Pennsylvania Regional Council of Carpenters. "This is a huge job for area labor."

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.flyavp.com