U.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek Secures $4.2 Million in
Federal Funding For Opa-locka Executive Airport
Air Traffic Control Tower

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek announced today that he successfully secured $4.2 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assist in the construction of the replacement air traffic control tower at Opa-locka Executive Airport.

"In a tight budgetary year, this announcement is nothing short of a major victory for South Florida. This proves that when local and federal government works together, everyone wins. Opa-locka Executive Airport fulfills a vital transportation role in South Florida and it requires a first rate air traffic control tower, not a makeshift structure as exists currently," said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL), the lone Floridian serving on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

"We are deeply appreciative of the hard work by Rep. Meek to ensure this funding was made possible. The funding earmarked for this project enables us to proceed with having a new tower built and is in keeping with the overall makeover of Opa-locka Executive Airport," said Miami-Dade Aviation Department Director Jose Abreu.

The old air traffic control tower has deteriorated and is no longer habitable by air traffic control personnel. FAA has erected a temporary control tower structure for air traffic control operations where they will operate until the new tower's construction is completed in 2009.

The estimated cost to replace the tower is $10.9 million. FAA, which operates the tower under the Contract Tower Program, has executed an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for $2.5 million, which includes a $1.0 million Congressional earmark, sponsored by Congressman Meek and supported by the Miami-Dade Congressional delegation from the FY 2005 Omnibus Appropriations legislation.

The replacement tower is on schedule for completion in late 2009.

With more than 126,000 annual operations and 270 based aircraft, Opa-locka is an important reliever airport to Miami International Airport. The airport houses maintenance facilities for large commercial aircraft that cannot be accommodated at MIA. The airport is also home to the United States Coast Guard's Air Station Miami, the nation's busiest air sea rescue operations station. A recent economic impact study shows that the airport has an economic impact of an estimated $100 million and generates over 1,900 jobs.

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means and also sits on the House Committee on Armed Services.

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