New air traffic control tower set to elevate safety at Gabreski Airport
Suffolk County officials said the existing tower, built in the 1940s, no longer meets Federal Aviation Administration safety and height requirements.
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A new era of aviation safety is taking off at Francis S. Gabreski Airport as crews break ground on a new air traffic control tower designed to improve operations for arriving and departing aircraft.
Suffolk County officials said the existing tower, built in the 1940s, no longer meets Federal Aviation Administration safety and height requirements.
“This is a big airport and this has a lot of traffic,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
The project comes as airport activity continues to grow. In addition to military operations, officials say there has been a significant increase in private jet and general aviation traffic at the Westhampton Beach airport.
The new tower, which carries a $20 million price tag, is being funded through a partnership among federal, state and Suffolk County governments.
“Line of sight, visibility for the entire airport for all the runways to prevent any accidents and to increase safety, this is a safety measure,” Romaine said.
County officials said the new tower will stand twice as tall as the current structure, giving controllers a clearer view of airport operations and enhancing safety across the airfield.
Supporters of the project say the investment will strengthen both safety and the local economy.
“It’s also a significant revenue generator,” said Rep. Nick LaLota. “The folks who come in, nearly 2,000 flights, they’re spending their dollars here in Suffolk County, and that helps us and our regional economy.”
Construction is expected to be completed next year.
