Write a commentU.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation aimed at supporting innovative remote air traffic technology produced in Central New York. Representative Katko was joined by Rep. Barbara Comstock (VA-10) and Rep. Dan. Lipinski (IL-3) in introducing the legislation.
The legislation introduced by Reps. Katko, Comstock and Lipinski creates a remote air traffic control tower pilot program. Nationwide, many smaller, remote airports do not have air traffic control towers. This legislation would require further study of innovative remote tower technology to give these smaller airports the ability to obtain affordable and safe remote air traffic control. Significantly, Central New York is home to production facilities that create such technology and local contractors would be well situated to compete for these federal government contracts.
“Innovative technology to help improve safety and operations at small and regional airports nationwide is produced right here in Central New York,” said Rep. John Katko. “This legislation will give our local workers – some of the foremost creators of this remote tower technology –the opportunity to compete and grow in this groundbreaking and forward-thinking field. I will continue working with Reps. Comstock and Lipinski to move this bipartisan measure forward.”
“I have seen first-hand this innovative new technology at the Leesburg Executive Airport in Loudoun County,” said Rep. Barbara Comstock. “This legislation will start a pilot program that will bring this new, reliable, and safe technology to small airports across the nation while at the same time being an affordable alternative to manned air traffic control towers. I thank Reps. Katko and Lipinski in joining me in a bipartisan way to bring this new technology to the forefront of the aviation community.”
Congressman Dan Lipinski stated, “I am pleased to join Reps. Katko and Comstock to reintroduce this important legislation that promotes safety-enhancing technology for airports like Lewis University/KLOT in my district. Enabling the expansion of remote air traffic control towers (ATC) is a cost-effective alternative to an expensive manned ATC tower that can improve operations at airports. This important legislation was included in the FAA reauthorization bill that the T&I committee marked up last year, but did not get signed into law. I’m hopeful this important concept will proceed this year, and look forward to working with Rep. Katko and other colleagues to move this ahead.”
