WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in sponsoring legislation aimed at prohibiting the closure of  140 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contract air traffic control towers across the United States, including those in Owensboro and Paducah, Kentucky.

“I have heard from many constituents, including transportation professionals and the business community, seeking assistance in helping to prevent the shuttering of control towers at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport and the Barkley Regional Airport,” Senator McConnell said.  “During these tough economic times, we need to find ways to cut funding from programs that don’t jeopardize the safety of the traveling public that relies on these two important regional airports. These Western Kentucky facilities are used not only for recreational traffic but also for commerce and as fuel locations for helicopters from Fort Campbell.”

If passed, the legislation would prevent the FAA from closing these contract air traffic control towers for the next two years, instead finding savings elsewhere within the agency without negatively impacting the flying public.