Suffolk County Breaks Ground on $20 Million Control Tower at Gabreski Airport

Suffolk County officials have broken ground on a new $20 million air traffic control tower at Francis S. Gabreski Airport. The project replaces infrastructure that has stood since World War II and aims to improve visibility and handling capacity at the growing facility.

County Executive Ed Romaine and Rep. Nick LaLota unveiled the project during a press event. Their participation highlighted local and federal support for upgrades at the airport.

Romaine and LaLota described Gabreski Airport as an economic engine for the East End. This framing underscores the airport's role in supporting regional business activity and employment.

The new tower will stand 146 feet tall, roughly twice the height of the existing tower. It will be built adjacent to the current structure to minimize disruption during construction.

Romaine noted that the tower being replaced was built in 1943 when the site operated solely as a military installation. That history shows how the facility has shifted from defense use to civilian aviation over decades.

Romaine added that the new tower will meet updated FAA guidelines and address the changing needs of the airport's customers. These improvements are intended to keep operations safe and efficient as traffic patterns evolve.

Of the total project cost, $11.3 million comes from federal funds that LaLota said he helped secure. The remaining amount reflects the county's share in the overall investment.

LaLota said Suffolk County deserves modern, reliable infrastructure and that he will continue seeking federal funding for such projects. This commitment points to ongoing efforts to maintain and improve local facilities.

The new tower will incorporate current technology, expand air traffic controller visibility, and include a full-building backup generator. These features are expected to reduce downtime risks and support more complex flight activity.

During the 2026 U.S. Open, Gabreski Airport handled 1,983 flight operations, a 91 percent increase compared with the 2018 U.S. Open. The sharp rise illustrates how major events drive temporary surges in demand at the airport.

Officials said the airport handles between 44,000 and 60,000 aircraft operations annually. Steady year-round traffic combined with event spikes creates pressure on existing facilities.

The airport generates an estimated $116.1 million in regional economic activity, according to figures presented by Romaine and LaLota. This total reflects direct spending, jobs, and related business tied to airport operations.

The airport supports about 1,085 jobs and contributes roughly $3.3 million in local tax revenue annually, officials said. These impacts spread across East End communities that rely on aviation-related work.

No completion date for the tower project was announced at the event. Officials focused instead on the start of construction and the long-term benefits for safety and capacity.

The combination of higher flight volumes during peak events and consistent annual operations shows why the county is moving forward with the replacement. A taller tower with modern systems can better serve both routine traffic and surges without relying on outdated equipment from the 1940s.

Federal funding secured for the project reduces the direct burden on county taxpayers while still requiring local resources to finish the work. LaLota's pledge to pursue additional grants signals that further infrastructure needs at the airport may be addressed in coming years.

By placing the new tower next to the old one, crews can maintain continuous service during construction. This approach protects the airport's role as a key economic contributor while the upgrade takes shape.

The economic figures shared at the event tie directly to the need for expanded controller visibility and backup power. Without these upgrades, growth in operations could face limits set by the aging 1943 tower.