Owensboro, Ky. (WFIE) -
A Tri-State airport received official word from the FAA Thursday that its control tower is on a closure list that could be finalized in less than two weeks.
Right now, the fate of the tower at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport remains in limbo.
However, the airport says it would be able to stay open without the tower because of its eight thousand foot runway and instrument landing system.
Pilots would also still be able to communicate with the control tower in Evansville.
The airport explains that pilots would still have guidance when landing flights, it just wouldn't be on site.
Six full-time employees work in the tower and right now, the airport says it's trying to generate any and all support for those jobs.
Airport Director Bob Whitmer says that right now, the fear of the unknown is almost worse than a definite answer.
"Some paranoia there with not really knowing, you know, where we're headed, but you know, we're trying to prepare whatever the case may be," says Whitmer.
Airport staff aren't the only ones who are feeling the effects of those budget cuts.
Joanna Shake with Green River Area Development District relates.
"We're in a similar situation," said Shake. We know that federal cuts are looming. We know that they're going to happen. It's unfortunate that we can't forecast or predict what those actual cuts will be," she said.
"What the final outcome will be, I just don't know," said Whitmer.
The airport says it should know by March 18th if the tower can stay open, or if it will be forced to close.
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