Officials Say New Tower Needed Despite Lower Traffic

The slowing of the economy and downward political pressure on general aviation are among factors cited for a 25 percent drop in traffic at Florida's Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) since 2008. But the FAA is still providing a $9 million grant to build a new control tower there, in the expectation that better times will bring resumed growth.

The Sun Sentinel reports the plan would replace a 41-year-old, five-story control tower with a new, 117-foot, tubular structure which doubles the height of the old one. FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen explains, "It will be a taller facility that gives controllers more room to work and will allow us to install the latest air traffic technology."

Despite the recent dip in traffic, NIMBYs worry about airport expansion. Airport officials have ensured neighbors the new tower won't encourage more traffic. Linda Bird, president of Lakes Estates Homeowners Association, tells the paper neighbors don't oppose the new tower because it should enhance safety. But she adds the incoming $9 million could be better spent on addressing several crashes around the airport in the past decade.

She says, "We do not have an adequate number of inspectors on ground. That's where the money needs to be spent."

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility is planned for this morning.

FMI: http://ci.ftlaud.fl.us/fxe/