FAA Officially Dedicates New LaGuardia Tower

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - The new $100 million LaGuardia Airport control tower stands head and shoulders over the busy LaGuardia terminal.

From Inside the LaGuardia Tower (Photo: Rich Lamb/WCBS 880)

It’s blue, 233-feet-high, and replaces a 46-year-old tower which looks a lot like a lighthouse and was built in 1964.

FAA administrator Randy Babbitt, a former pilot, gave the new tower two thumbs up at its official dedication Friday.

He says the new tower has the latest ground detection radar and the most cutting edge  navigation aids.

It also is equipped for satellite navigation, which will go into effect later this year.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney says, as a frequent flier using LaGuardia at least twice a week, she’s thrilled.

She said the new tower looks like a spaceship, but called it an improvement for passenger safety and an engine for New York’s economic development.

The new tower actually went into use in October 2010.

LaGuardia airport is seen from a Delta jet - Queens, NY - Oct 24, 2010 - Photo: Evan Bindelglass / WCBS 880