FAA Prepares For Sequestration Cuts; Griffiss Air Traffic Control Tower Service Could Be Cut
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: February 25, 2013
Federal funding cuts are looming, and the Mohawk Valley area is not
immune. Local programs and even Rome's Air Traffic Control Tower service
could be slashed. As the March 1 deadline to stave off budget reductions commonly known
as sequestration cuts approaches, local officials are trying to
determine what the impacts will be.
The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is also preparing for possible budget cuts. It plans to reduce its expenditures by about $600-million for the rest of the fiscal year. Among the changes they are considering will be closing over 100 air traffic control towers, and this could include the tower at Griffiss. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says although this is a concern, the county has several issues that take priority.
"If it comes down to taking care of seniors and infants or taking care of the tower at Griffiss, there's no question. The Griffiss aspect of it is something we share the costs of anyway. That's something that's not a matter of immediate need for our people through this county," says Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive.
He says some of the county's top priorities include social services such as Medicaid, the WIC Program, and helping people in need.
The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is also preparing for possible budget cuts. It plans to reduce its expenditures by about $600-million for the rest of the fiscal year. Among the changes they are considering will be closing over 100 air traffic control towers, and this could include the tower at Griffiss. Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says although this is a concern, the county has several issues that take priority.
"If it comes down to taking care of seniors and infants or taking care of the tower at Griffiss, there's no question. The Griffiss aspect of it is something we share the costs of anyway. That's something that's not a matter of immediate need for our people through this county," says Anthony Picente, Oneida County Executive.
He says some of the county's top priorities include social services such as Medicaid, the WIC Program, and helping people in need.
