FAA to close 2 LI air traffic control centers

The FAA is planning to close its two air traffic control centers on Long Island and build a new facility, but the new facility may not be on the Island.

Three of the four proposed regions being considered for the new facility are in upstate New York.Officials say that about 900 people work at the two Long Island FAA facilities, jobs that would be relocated or replaced in the proposed plan.Rep. Tim Bishop (D-1st District) is optimistic Long Island will be chosen as the new site, but says it will take some lobbying.

The FAA is expected to announce the location of the new facility by the end of this year, with groundbreaking expected in 2017.Sites on Long Island being proposed for the new air traffic control facility include Long Island MacArthur Airport, Gabreski Airport in Westhampton and county-owned land in Selden.