Previous Tower Has Been In Service Since 1964

The FAA dedicated a new airport traffic control tower for LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on Friday that will replace the one which has served the airport since 1964.  In 2010, air traffic controllers at LGA handled nearly 400,000 takeoffs and landings.

"LaGuardia Airport plays an important role in our country's aviation infrastructure," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This modern tower will help enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel in and out of the New York metropolitan area."

The tower will be equipped with the latest aviation technology, including the Airport Surface Detection System Model X (ASDE-X), which allows controllers to track surface movement of aircraft and vehicles. Controllers will also be using the Integrated Control and Monitoring System (ICMS), which consolidates information including navigational aid displays into one screen.

"Today marks a culmination of years of hard work by many people both inside and outside the FAA," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "This tower symbolizes the direction the FAA is taking by transforming the future of aviation with new technology."

The new 233-foot high tower is 82 feet higher than the previous tower and has an 850 square foot tower cab.  The total cost to design, equip, and construct the new tower was approximately $100 million. 

FMI: www.faa.gov