Ground Breaking Ceremony Held for Air Traffic Control Tower
May 29, 2007
U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond was a special guest of Joplin City officials today in a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Air Traffic Control Tower for the Joplin Regional Airport. Airport Board members joined the senator and City Council members, business leaders, construction company representatives, and design group members in the event.
As part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization in 2005 the Joplin Regional Airport received $3.5 million to replace the aging Air Traffic Control facility.
The senator was instrumental in securing this funding for the facility. The authorization supported by the senator states that the FAA will transfer funds as specified to the City of Joplin to develop the specifications and the design, as well as the construction and equipping of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower facility that will be owned and operated by the City.
"Good transportation is key to economic growth," said Senator Bond. "Companies will locate in areas where there are good airports, good roads and good public transit. The new terminal and tower here in Joplin will create jobs and enhance the traveling experience of anyone traveling to or from our region."
Although the tower construction is a separate project, its construction coincides with construction of the Airport Terminal Project.
"We appreciate the continued support from Senator Bond," said Joplin Mayor Jon Tupper. "The airport is the front door of this community and with the efforts of our legislators the City of Joplin will offer a great welcome to our visitors and guests. These Airport improvements show the commitment the City has to better our community and provide a safe and quality service to our citizens."
This recent project will provide a new, state of the art, air traffic control facility. consisting of a 90' tall tower and a 2100 sq ft. base building. The tower will house all necessary equipment and controller facilities for air traffic control and monitoring. The base building will house FAA field technicians and navigational aid equipment.
"Safety is the most important issue at the Airport and this facility will greatly enhance our ability to handle the current and future needs of air traffic in Southwest Missouri” said Airport Manager Steve Stockam. “The project is fully funded through this Federal grant and the facility will belong to the airport once completed in the spring of 2008."
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