Federal Decision Causes Uncertainty at Local Airport

MACON, Georgia (41 NBC/WMGT) –  After the U.S. House of Representatives voted to suspend all FAA furloughs, officials at Middle Georgia Regional Airport had hopes that they were in the clear from avoiding the upcoming closure of their air traffic control tower this summer.

41 NBC spoke with officials there who aren’t quite sure what all is included in that bill.

The Federal Aviation Administration has suspended all furloughs so air traffic employees can return to their facilities and be back to regular staffing as of Sunday.

While FAA employees across the country breathed a sigh of relief, Federal Contract Tower employees at Middle Georgia Regional Airport are still uncertain on their jobs.

Walt Alexander, Air Traffic Control Manager for Middle Georgia Regional Airport, says that the initial bill did address his staff.

“It did at point, there was wording there that says that the FCT to be funded, but now that that wording was taken out, we’re right back where we started,” Alexander said.

The issue is there is nothing in the bill that states that the towers run by federally contracted personnel will stay open.

“Somebody has to officially recognize that this program is a valid program and has been since 1987 and that we do save millions of dollars for the FAA,” Alexander said.

Middle Georgia Regional Airport manager Doug Faour says the pending closure doesn’t just affect the airports but the local area as well.

“As we continue to try to grow the airport and keep the economic engine running for Middle Georgia in becomes more difficult without the air traffic control tower, it makes it more difficult to try and bring business here,” Faour said.

Alexander still has hope that there’s still time.

“We feel like there’s the opportunity for them to correct this situation and make it better so the emotional roller coaster ride may not be there yet, now ask me that in June and I may tell you a different story.”