PUNTA GORDA — Since it opened for business on Feb. 15, 2012, the control tower at the Punta Gorda Airport has become a familiar sight to residents. Unfortunately, due to federal budget cuts, referred to as sequester, that went into effect on March 1, the 135-foot, $4 million structure may have to close down on April 1.

Speaking at the regular meeting of the Chapter 565 Experimental Aircraft Association meeting on Monday evening, Rich Reid, supervisor of personnel for Robinson Aviation Inc., which was contracted to operate the tower, said that there has been no official word as of yet, but it appears very likely that it could happen.