Budget Cuts End Westmoreland Co. Air Show, Could Impact Latrobe Airport
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Republicans and Democrats want the across-the-board budget cuts repealed, but neither side has a plan to do so and the effects are already being felt in our area.
Due to the cuts, the Air Force Thunderbirds cannot perform at the Westmoreland County Air Show next month.
As a result, the entire show has been called off.
The show came back in 2011 after a 10-year hiatus.
The politicians had the weekend to think about the $85 billion in total cuts.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner said the cuts aren't that bad.
The White House responded by saying the pain of the cuts may not be bad now, but they will get worse over time.
News that the sequester could close the air traffic control tower in Latrobe also has many wondering about their flights on the now thriving Spirit Airlines.
But good news from the airline: passengers will not notice the difference.
Spirit Airlines has taken off at Arnold Palmer regional airport.
Roughly 10,000 more people are flying out of Latrobe this February than last.
- Watch Trina Orlando's report on the Latrobe Airport:
Taking advantage of service to Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Myrtle Beach.
A Spirit spokesperson released a statement saying, "Spirit is already authorized by the FAA to operate at LBE when the control tower is closed. As such, the airline follows FAA-approved procedures to ensure safe operations without a control tower."
The possible tower closure comes as Spirit Airlines thrives in the Westmoreland County market.
In June, the airline will begin service from Latrobe to Dallas.
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