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Smyrna council backs new air traffic-control tower at Smyrna Airport
Summary
Council approved a resolution supporting construction of a replacement air traffic control tower at Smyrna Rutherford County Airport, with airport staff saying the existing 1953 tower is undersized and lacks an elevator.
The Smyrna Town Council voted to move forward a resolution expressing support for a new air traffic control tower at the Smyrna Rutherford County Airport.
Evan Lester, the airports executive director, told the council the existing tower was built in 1953, is about a third the size of a typical modern tower and lacks an elevator, requiring staff to climb seven stories to reach the cab. Lester described the award-winning airport and said a modern tower is needed to support growth and improve air-traffic management and safety.
Council moved the airport resolution up on the agenda while airport board members were present and then voted to approve consideration and passage of the resolution. The vote on moving the item and later on the resolution passed by voice vote; staff indicated they would follow through with next steps to pursue the tower project with appropriate partners.
Impact and next steps: Council support is a formal local endorsement typically required for airport funding or grant requests and will allow airport staff to continue coordination with county officials, the Federal Aviation Administration and other stakeholders.
