Reps Hail Decision to Keep Willow Run Control Tower Open 24/7

WASHINGTON - Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Rep. John Dingell, D-MI15, today hailed a decision by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep the Willow Run air traffic control tower open 24 hours a day. Earlier this year, the FAA announced that it was reviewing the operations of the airport to determine whether an adjustment to facility hours was warranted, and Levin, Stabenow and Dingell expressed concerns to FAA Administrator Babbitt about the negative impact that shortened hours would have on the airport and the community.

"Willow Run Airport is an important economic engine in Southeast Michigan," said Sen. Levin. "The airport's 24-hour schedule helps businesses get their jobs done and fuels the local economy. We're glad that the FAA's review recognized the important role the airport plays in our community, and it is good news that they will be able to continue their hard work around the clock."

"Willow Run Airport supports thousands of Michigan jobs and is an important hub for exporting our products overseas," said Sen. Stabenow. "Keeping Willow Run airport open around the clock is a major boost to the local economy."

"Today's announcement from Administrator Babbitt is a welcome one," said U.S. Representative Dingell. "Willow Run Airport plays a critical role as a cargo airport for the auto industry, as well as our cargo airlines that serve our troops overseas by delivering their mail and other materials. More importantly, Willow Run is an integral piece to Wayne County's Aerotropolis development, which will eventually support more than 60,000 jobs in Southeast Michigan. The FAA's decision to maintain Willow Run's 24-hour operation will allow this airport to continue the good work that they do."

Willow Run Airport is a leading international air cargo and general aviation facility that handles 250,000 tons of cargo each year, leading to the contribution of $85 million to the regional economy and supporting 1,500 jobs across Michigan.

The FAA review, which was conducted as part of a national study aimed at reducing the hours of air traffic control towers across the country, involved an examination of air traffic volume at each hour of the day and an assessment of the potential impact to the community if the hours were to change.

Read this original document at: http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/levin-stabenow-and-dingell-hail-decision_to-keep-willow-run-control-tower-open-24/7/?section=press