Gwinnett: Briscoe Field Has Regional Air Traffic Impact

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.

-- 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.

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.

Read more on Suwanee Patch.

See also:

• Another Wrinkle in Briscoe Field Tower Situation

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