Ten aviation industry associations are asking lawmakers to fully fund a federal program that provides air traffic control services to private airports.

The Federal Aviation Administration's Contract Tower Program was created in 1982, according to a letter recently sent to congressional leaders by the associations. Some 253 towers are supported through the program.

The groups are seeking $159 million to continue to fully fund the program during the 2018 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1 of this year. They say the cost is offset by the $200 million taxpayers save through better safety at airports that otherwise could not afford air traffic control services.

"The FAA Contract Tower Program has provided cost-effective and essential air traffic safety services for over three decades," said J. Spencer Dickerson, executive director of the U.S. Contract Tower Association, which is an affiliate of the American Association of Airport Executives.

Signatories include the Regional Airline Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Business Aviation Administration, National Air Transportation Association, Airports Council International—North America, National Association of State Aviation Officials, Air Traffic Control Association and Cargo Airline Association. http://bit.ly/2mpxI4i

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