FAA to shut down So. Fla. flight towers

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (WSVN) -- As a result of the sequester, the Federal Aviation Administration is making plans to reduce its expenses by approximately $600 million for the remainder of the year.

The FAA plans to shut down over 100 air traffic controllers, two of them being the Opa-Locka Airport and North Perry Airport flight towers.

According to Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi, the termination of the flight tower would create a public safety issue for the residents of Miami Lakes and all residents in surrounding areas.

The mayor has called for an emergency town hall meeting to protest the shutting down of the flight tower. The meeting will be held on Friday at 12:15 p.m. at the Miami Lakes Town Hall.

Mayor Pizzi said, "It is unacceptable to have the federal government shut down a flight tower that is there to make sure that planes safely land at the airport and avoid the residential areas that are so close to this airport." He adds, "As mayor, I can assure that I will not stand for this and neither will any of the families in our area."

Pizzi is urging residents in opposition of the closing to e-mail: ClosureComments@faa.gov or fax a letter to ATO-Terminal Services at (202) 493-4565.

The FAA has not made a final decision about tower closures. They say a decision will be made later this month. If approved the FAA plans to start facility shutdowns in April.

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