Sequestration Could Impact Air Travels in West Texas
By: Marianne Elisak
Updated: February 26, 2013
MIDLAND---There has been lots of talk surrounding the sequester - a massive cut in government spending. On Friday, March 1st, 2013 the sequestration is supposed to begin.
One of the many things affected by the sequestration will be airports across the country. According to ABC News, some of the worst purported consequences will come as a result of furloughs for government workers.
Mandatory, unpaid days off for Transportation Security Administration(TSA) Agents and Air-Traffic Controllers, will mean log jammed air travel and fewer Border Patrol Agents on duty.
Marv Esterly is the Director of Airports for the City of Midland and he says that the sequestration has been a topic of discussion for them since last week since it will affect many of their employees.
Esterly says that in the event of possible furloughs, the airport will need to make up for the lost labor hours.
"If that happens there's going to have to be some adjustments on their shifts in order to deal with the people through the security check point and make sure that there are not any delays" says Esterly.
Esterly says that he's been told that people will not experience any delays, but like most people affected by the sequester, they won't know how true that is until the process begins.
"They're really not positive how it's going to affect them yet" says Esterly "we just haven't been made aware of that yet."
While Midland doesn't seem to be facing any major problems regarding the sequester, it's not the same for everyone in West Texas.
The air traffic control at Lea County Airport in Hobbs could be shut down due to the sequester. Whereas, Lubbock and Abilene could also lose overnight staff at their airports.
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