CITY SEEKS OPTIONS FOR KEEPING TOWER AT REGIONAL AIRPORT

Late last year, the Federal Aviation Administration began discussing the possibility of closing 23 air-traffic control towers in non-hub airports across the nation.

Cape Girardeau Regional Airport was among the airports on the closure list. In a new era of federal cutbacks, the air tower decision seems a natural. It would save the government about $5 million annually, and most of the airports on the list can operate fine without a tower.

But instead of simply accepting the decision, city officials sprang into action. They didn't carp about draconian cuts and plead with elected officials to save the tower.

Already a bargain in terms of federally funded airport towers -- the Cape Girardeau tower costs about $170,000 annually, compared to an average operating cost of $250,000 for similar towers nationwide -- city officials took the next step. This month, the City Council agreed to use city money to reduce the FAA subsidy of the tower operation.

Because the FAA is expected to make its control tower decision based on a cost-benefit analysis, Cape Girardeau officials hope the move will convince the FAA to continue operating the tower in partnership with the city.

The FAA now reimburses the city for the $170,000 annual cost of operating the tower. If the agency approves the new cost-sharing plan, the FAA would pay the city about $145,000 annually for the tower operation. The city would pick up the nearly $20,000 annual cost of tower liability insurance.

A number of airports the size of Cape Girardeau's with commuter service operate without a control tower. Cape Girardeau could do the same.

But a control tower provides an important safety feature for the takeoff and landing of aircraft, particularly during inclement weather. The tower also helps ensure proper spacing between aircraft in flight near the airport. The tower handles more than 25,000 operations annually, involving commuter, charter and private flights.

It seems strange that the FAA can see fit to finance a number of infrastructure improvements at the airport in recent years but can't justify continuing to subsidize the control tower. Recent FAA-funded improvements include help with the terminal building renovation, runway lighting and signage projects, and construction of taxiways and aprons at the airport.

Those improvements all add to the airport's appeal for commercial and general aviation. But losing the control tower could tarnish the improved airport image. Also, even if increased airport use would justify it, chances for getting the tower back once its closed likely are slim.

The FAA is expected to decide next month whether to cease funding for the towers on the closure list. The city has taken correct steps to protect a valuable asset to the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. Whether its enough to keep the Cape tower off the FAA's defunding hit list remains to be seen.