Leaders Gather To Break Ground On New Airport Tower

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is scheduled to be on hand today to mark the start of construction on a new air traffic control tower at Palm Springs International Airport.

Nearly $14 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds was awarded for the project, which will cost an estimated $24.5 million, according to Lori Irving of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, and Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet are also expect to attend the event.

The current tower, built in 1967, is about six stories high. Plans call for a tower that’s twice as tall — 127 feet.

Tom Nolan, the airport’s executive director, said previously that the current tower has not posed a safety issue, but a more up-to-date version will improve airport operations overall.