WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced legislation to honor the late Senator Kay Hagan by designating the air traffic control tower at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, N.C., as the “Senator Kay Hagan Airport Traffic Control Tower.”

“Kay Hagan was essential in securing federal funding for a much-needed new air traffic control tower here at her home airport,” said Senator Burr. “Last year, Kay attended the tower’s groundbreaking, demonstrating how committed she was to seeing this project through even after leaving public office. I can think of no better way to honor her tireless service than by designating this tower in her name.” 

“Kay Hagan was a dedicated and distinguished public servant for the people of North Carolina,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to work with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to rename the airport traffic control tower at the Piedmont Triad International Airport as the Senator Kay Hagan Airport Traffic Control Tower to honor her legacy in her hometown of Greensboro.”

“Senator Kay Hagan was an honorable public servant who served the people of North Carolina with integrity,” said Senator Warner. “During her time in the Senate, I was lucky to have worked closely with her on an ambitious set of amendments to encourage innovation and drive down costs in health care. Today, I’m proud to introduce this legislation honoring the memory and legacy of my former colleague and friend.”

“When I think of my friend Kay Hagan, I will always think of joy,” said Senator Klobuchar. “No matter how hard things got in the Senate, her wonderful spirit would make it all seem better. You could always count on Kay to look out for people, whether it was restoring a program for active duty servicemembers, or her work to improve transportation infrastructure. This bill to name the Senator Kay Hagan Airport Traffic Control Tower will be a reminder of her legacy in her beloved state of North Carolina for generations to come.”

Background:

On October 15, 2018, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a $61 million investment to build a new air traffic control facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, N.C. This investment includes $40.9 million in infrastructure to build a new, 180-foot-tall air traffic control tower and $20 million for equipment and installation, cabling, telecommunications, and construction of new communications transmitter and receiver. The new facility will replace the existing 90-foot-tall tower that has been operating since 1974.

During her time in public office, the late Senator Kay Hagan witnessed firsthand the limitations of the aging tower and played a pivotal role in procuring federal funding to rebuild the tower.

On June 5, 2019, in one of her last public appearances, Senator Hagan attended the FAA’s groundbreaking of the new air traffic control tower.

This legislation will honor Senator Hagan’s advocacy for the project by designating the new tower at the Piedmont Triad International Airport as the “Senator Kay Hagan Airport Traffic Control Tower.”

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