Benishek to meet with Sawyer officials
As the possible effects of the budget-related sequestration continue to loom in Upper Michigan, First District Congressman Dan Benishek will visit the region today. Benishek will meet with officials from Sawyer International Airport this morning.
The air traffic control tower at Sawyer is one of 149 towers slated by the Federal Aviation Administration to close. The FAA says the facilities will begin the shut down procedures April 7.
Sawyer airport manager Duane Duray told ABC 10 News Monday, “It’s most unfortunate and we fought the fight, but unfortunately, budget cuts had to be made and the FAA decided this was an option they had to stick to. We are upset that Sawyer was on the list…the tower is an asset we hate to lose.”
It is still unclear what impact the tower closure will have on revenue at the airport. It will mean the loss of jobs for the five full time air traffic controllers at Sawyer.
Get an update on this story tonight on ABC 10 News Now at 5:30 p.m.