At a ribbon cutting ceremony, officials gathered to celebrate the first renovation the tower has seen since 1970.
The tower was in major need of upgrades; however, the process had been delayed numerous times due to various issues including a government shutdown and budget problems. The tower was supposed to be renovated in 2014 and originally would have taken eighteen months to complete; however, the project ended up taking five years.
During the renovations, employees worked out of a modified trailer until the project was nearing completion in early December.
Air Traffic Manager John Oates spoke about the renovations at the ceremony. According to Oates, it was supposed to be a six month project that turned into a modernization project with all new equipment.
He said, "We really got through it because of all of the experience we have in this. We're very proud of it and glad to be a service for the city of Paducah."
