Funding approved for new control tower at Marana Regional Airport months after deadly plane crash

MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — Proposed funding for a new control tower at Marana Regional Airport has been secured following approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Now, plans are moving forward for the design and construction of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT).

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Earlier this month, a final Environmental Assessment was completed. It found that the project would not significantly impact the environment.

The project is expected to be completed by 2029. The tower will be operated and staffed by the FAA.

The initial plans had a completion date of Dec. 2024, but the project deadline was pushed back due to the pandemic.

Greg Sendlak, who works for the Town of Marana’s public works department and is the CIP project manager for the tower, said the tower will improve safety. He also said it would improve communication between controllers and pilots.

“It’ll streamline the process for planes taking off and landing,” Sendlak said. “There’ll be more stringent protocols in place.”

Sendlak said there is a growing need for the tower because the Marana area is growing. The Dove Mountain area specifically, he said, brings in a lot of people to the airport.

The government would cover about ninety one percent of the costs, Sendlak said, but the Town hasn’t gotten the money yet. They’re also applying for a federal grant, he said, to get the project fully paid for.

“We need our grant funding opportunity that we’re expecting this summer,” he said.

In February, a deadly mid-air crash at Marana Regional Airport raised concerns about communication between pilots without air traffic control towers.

“Our processes were well underway already with the FAA to determine the need for a tower," Sendlak said.

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Now, Town of Marana officials anticipate the completion of the project.

"The new ATCT will improve airport safety and efficiency by helping air traffic controllers guide pilots and aircraft movements," the Town of Marana shared in a statement.

The public will be able to view documents related to the approval of the plans until October 1, 2025 here. The Town of Marana will have printed copies available for the next 30 days.