FAA Officially Dedicates New LaGuardia Tower
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - The new $100 million LaGuardia Airport control tower stands head and shoulders over the busy LaGuardia terminal.
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WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reports
It's blue, 233-feet-high, and replaces a 46-year-old tower which looks a lot like a lighthouse and was built in 1964.
FAA administrator Randy Babbitt, a former pilot, gave the new tower two thumbs up at its official dedication Friday.
He says the new tower has the latest ground detection radar and the most cutting edge navigation aids.
It also is equipped for satellite navigation, which will go into effect later this year.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney says, as a frequent flier using LaGuardia at least twice a week, she's thrilled.
She said the new tower looks like a spaceship, but called it an improvement for passenger safety and an engine for New York's economic development.
The new tower actually went into use in October 2010.
