Sequester Could Impact New Bedford’s Airport

The New Bedford Regional Airport is bracing itself for the sequester of automatic spending cuts in the federal budget.

Airport Manager Thomas Vick says the airport is on the list of control towers that may have to cease operations as $85-billion is slashed. Vick tells WBSM News the airport is digging in it's heels, trying to get off that list.

If New Bedford is told to close the tower, the airport will be without air traffic controllers, and will have to rely on fellow pilots and other operators for forecasts and current conditions.

Students at Bridgewater State University's Aviation Center who rely on traffic controllers will have to train at a different airport.

Vick says he'll know March 4 whether or not New Bedford will close it's control tower.