Lewiston Looking at Ways to Keep Air Traffic Control Tower Operating

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — Northern Idaho officials are trying to figure out a way to keep the air traffic control tower open at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport. The airport is one of four in Idaho on the Federal Aviation Administration's final list of 149 air traffic control facilities that will be closed at small airports around the country.

The Lewiston tower is scheduled to close May 5. The Lewiston Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/11m0EJ6) that area leaders met Tuesday to discuss options on how to keep the tower operating. Airport Manager Robin Turner says he estimates it would cost $750,000 annually for local entities to take over tower operations.

Also on the list of control facilities to be closed are Pocatello Regional Airport and Idaho Falls Regional Airport in eastern Idaho, and Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey in central Idaho.