Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif. (45th CD), issued the following news release:

Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today announced that the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) will receive $2 million in federal funds, which Bono Mack requested, towards a new airport control tower. The funding is included in the 2009 end-of-the-year omnibus appropriations bill, which passed today in the House of Representatives.

"Securing a new air traffic control tower has long been one of my top priorities in Congress, and I am pleased that with this funding, we are one step closer to reaching that goal," said Bono Mack. "The Palm Springs International Airport serves one of the fastest growing regions in the nation and transports millions of tourists and residents to and from our community each year.

"I am pleased that this good news welcomes our community as we head into the winter travel season, and I will continue to work closely with airport officials, community leaders, my colleagues in Congress and with Transportation Secretary LaHood in this critical, multi-year process."

Included in the omnibus appropriations bill is $2 million in funding for the new tower at PSP. The existing control tower is out-of-date and not optimally located. As the Palm Springs airport continues to expand its flights and services, a new tower capable of sustaining this growth is vital to help ensure continued safety and efficiency that passengers expect at PSP, according to Bono Mack.

Bono Mack has consistently worked with airport officials and the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) to achieve funding for the Palm Springs airport, totaling over $8 million in federal funds to date for a new air traffic control tower. Bono Mack has also helped secure federal funding for runway and terminal expansions and security improvements.

Copyright Targeted News Services

TNS MT93 091211-2511117 61MarlizTagarum