The Texas Department of Transportation says it will pay to keep air traffic control towers open at 13 small airports when those facilities lose money next month.
Gov. Rick Perry had asked the agency to step in when the federal budget cuts take place April 7. The Texas Transportation Commission said Thursday it will approve the money at an emergency session next week.
Officials estimate it would cost about $7 million a year to keep the towers open. Perry asked the agency to provide 90 days of emergency assistance.
Perry and transportation officials say keeping the towers operating is important for safety and commerce in Texas.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.