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Air Traffic Control tower at Griffiss on government's closure list

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Mar 7, 2013 at 2:25 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2013 at 2:25 PM EDT

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - The federal government plans to close 173 towers at small and mid-sized airports on April 7 due to sequestration cuts.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente confirms that the air traffic control tower at Griffiss International Airport in Rome is on that list.

While closure of the tower wouldn't force the airport to close, Picente says its loss could hurt efforts to promote the airport for future development.

The county has to prove to the FAA. that keeping the tower open is a matter of 'national interest.'

"Eastern Air Defense sector is located at Griffiss, Rome Lab, which is vital to America's defense, but more importantly, the aircraft again that comes in and out of there is essential," Picente said.

The county has a week to make their case for saving Griffiss Tower to the FAA.

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