FAA may announce air traffic tower closings

BOSTON (AP) - The members of the state's congressional delegation have sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration protesting the planned closing of about 200 contract air traffic control towers nationwide.

The closings come after the loss of about 600-million dollars, due to sequestration cuts .

Six of the towers facing the budget ax serve Massachusetts airports. The tower at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield is on that list.

The letter says the towers help guarantee the safety of the flying public and residents living near the airports, allow for safe arrivals and departures, and prevent midair collisions.

Among those signing onto the letter are Democratic Congressmen Stephen Lynch and Edward Markey. They're facing each other in the Democratic primary for the upcoming special U.S. Senate election.

For more information on which towers were closed and saved click here .