The FAA is taking the next step in replacing 31 aging air traffic control towers at small airports and is now seeking comments on a draft environmental assessment for newly-designed, more sustainable facilities. In April, the agency said it had set aside more than $500 million to support site evaluation, preparation, and construction activities for the towers.
Initial towers slated for replacement are functioning beyond their intended design life and are located throughout the country, from Key West, Florida, to Bellingham, Washington, the FAA said.
Designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism of New York, the towers will range in height from 60 to 119 feet and incorporate elements such as all-electric building systems, materials that are free from chemicals known to pose health risks, a thermally efficient facade, high-recycled steel and metal products, renewable mass timber when usable, and ground-source heating and cooling in some environments, the agency said.
A required step in the replacement process, the draft assessment details the conditions and potential environmental impacts of the replacements, including the construction and operation of the proposed towers along with the decommissioning and removal of the existing towers. The FAA will accept comments on the environmental assessment through July 31.