Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says automatic spending cuts scheduled to take effect March 1 would mean travel delays at major airports. In the FAA's case, the cuts mean $600 million slashed from its budget.

That means smaller airports across the nation -- places like Shreveport's Downtown Airport, Texarkana, Longview and Monroe Regional, could see their air traffic control towers shut down.  They are on the list.

The Transportation Department insists these cuts will not impact safety after the furloughs kick-in around April 1st.

By the way, the cuts could also mean the elimination of some midnight control tower shifts in our area.