THE AIRPORT TOWER

After months of uncertainty about federal funding for the operation of the control tower at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, a solution has been reached that lowers the overall operating costs and increases the hours of operation. Not bad for a government-run facility in this day and age.

Some time ago Cape Girardeau received word that the airport tower was likely to lose its federal funding. This decision was being made, the city was told, on the basis of an evaluation system that designated available funds to airports with the highest levels of need. The regional airport here failed to meet those standards, despite efforts to supply additional information and supporting data.

Under the agreement worked out between the city and the Federal Aviation Administration, the city will pick up the operating costs, and the FAA will give the tower and its equipment to the city as long as it continues to operate the facility.

Because of federal and contractual requirements that no longer apply, the city was able to lower salaries for the air traffic controllers and extend the hours of operation at the tower -- all with a reduction in operating costs. Previously the tower was open 12 hours a day in the winter half of the year and 14 hours a day in the summer half. Now the tower will operate 14 hours a day year around.

The city's financial commitment is for the first half of 1996. During that time other funding sources will be sought to augment the city's support. One source might be the Missouri State Highway and Transportation Department, which will seek special funding for airport towers during the legislative session that starts next month.

All in all, the regional airport has come through the cutback in federal funding with a good plan and sound prospects for the future. Everyone involved in putting this package together is to be commended.