Politics & Government

Gwinnett: Atlanta Airport Would Be Affected by Briscoe Tower Closure

Calling the FAA's decision 'unlawful,' Gwinnett leaders go the legal route to try to keep the facility's control tower operating.

The Atlanta airport -- the world's busiest -- would be affected by the closure of the FAA-maintained control tower at Briscoe Field, according to Gwinnett officials.

Gwinnett leaders announced this week that they are seeking to join a legal matter that was initiated by Spokane, Wash., that is pending before the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Airports in both areas face the loss of their control towers due to cutbacks that have been mandated by federal budget cuts known as sequestration.

County officials said Briscoe Field "diverts a meaningful amount of traffic" from Atlanta's airport. That relief would not be possible if federal officials follow through with closure of Briscoe's tower.

Find out what's happening in Suwaneewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

-- How do you feel about Briscoe Field's tower being closed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Gwinnett documents noted that "airplanes share the same airspace on approach and departure" to Briscoe and the Atlanta airport.

Find out what's happening in Suwaneewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Also, Gwinnett's Board of Commissioners made note of the area around the Lawrenceville airport as a reason to keep the Briscoe control tower active.

The legal documents released by the county note:

"The impact on the neighboring community is significant. Briscoe Field has an annual impact of $85 million, and 730 jobs in the region are dependent on the safe operations of this airport. The defunding of air traffic controls risks the safety of the neighboring community, the full capacity employment of the airport, and will likely lead to the withdrawal of corporate and private use of the airport and, with it, any related job development. Tenant insurance rates also are expected to rise without control tower operations."

In March, FAA officials targeted Briscoe Field's control tower and about 140 others nationally for closure. The date has been extended to June 15.

And last week, the U.S. Senate agreed to "allow the Federal Aviation Administration to shift $253 million from other accounts so it can end furloughs and keep towers open at smaller airports nationwide." The U.S. House also has approved the decision.

But Gwinnett officials are not solely depending on these actions, by taking the legal route.

Their court documents note that Briscoe Field is the fourth-largest airport in Georgia, with "business, private and military" operations. Gwinnett Police and air ambulances conduct operations there.

"Gwinnett County now seeks leave to intervene ... to advance its own interests in overturning the FAA's unlawful decision," the documents read.

See also:

  • Another Wrinkle in Briscoe Field Tower Situation

Don’t miss any Suwanee or Gwinnett news. Subscribe to Suwanee Patch’s free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Suwanee