Manassas, Va. – After 26 years of planning, local, state and federal leaders gathered on Tuesday to break ground on a brand‑new air traffic control tower at Washington Manassas Airport. The $41 million tower, which will rise 145 feet and include a 9,000‑square‑foot base with a training simulator, marks a major step toward expanding commercial air service in Prince William County.
Project background and funding
The original tower, a 70‑foot structure shipped from Centennial Airport near Denver, has served the airport since its dedication on April 16, 1992. The new tower will replace that aging facility and provide controllers with clearer views of the airfield, a key safety improvement noted by FAA associate administrator for airports Christopher Kelly.
Funding comes from a partnership of federal, state and local sources: the Federal Aviation Administration is contributing $26 million, the Virginia Department of Aviation $1 million, and the City of Manassas $14 million. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to modernizing aviation infrastructure and supporting regional growth.
Local leaders praise the milestone
“This airport is a meaningful one,” said Mark D. Wolfe, vice mayor of Manassas. “It will make our region successful as we move forward into the next decades.” Prince William Board of County Supervisors chair Deshundra Jefferson added, “Today we celebrate progress, safety, partnership, and our commitment to a future of aviation.”
Juan E. Rivera, director of Washington Manassas Airport, emphasized the perseverance behind the project: “A project that has taken 26 years to reach this point is about much more than brick, steel and concrete. It’s about persistence, partnership and a lot of people who continue working towards the same goal, even when the finish line seemed a long way off.”
Path to commercial service
In August, the airport earned its Part 139 operating certificate from the FAA, making it Virginia’s tenth commercial‑service airport. The certificate is required for airports that serve air carriers with aircraft of at least 31 passenger seats or scheduled operations of aircraft with more than nine seats. With the new tower, officials anticipate 24 daily departures within five to six years, though specific airlines have yet to be confirmed.
U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam and Eugene Vindman voiced strong support for the tower, noting its potential to spur regional economic growth and improve access to air travel. Senator Tim Kaine praised the cooperation among federal, state and local partners, urging continued investment in infrastructure: “As soon as you celebrate one thing, you’re already onto what’s the next thing.”
What the tower means for families and businesses
The upgraded facility is expected to attract new airlines, create jobs, and provide faster travel options for families and businesses in Prince William County. By improving safety and efficiency, the tower supports the airport’s long‑term vision of becoming a hub for commercial flights, which could boost tourism, commerce and local employment.
Construction is slated to take roughly two years, with the tower expected to be operational by late 2028. The project underscores the power of public‑private partnership and the community’s dedication to building a stronger, more connected future for Manassas and the surrounding region.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
