Texas taxpayers to get hit for small airports

The Dallas Morning News reports that Republican Texas Governor Rick Perry has asked the Texas Department of Transportation to pay for air traffic control at 13 small airports, since the federal sequester has cut FAA spending.

But why the heck are taxpayers paying for air traffic control? Why do we even have the FAA?

Air traffic control should be funded by airlines and private pilots. Likewise, we should get rid of the FAA. Airspace should not be under perpetual government control.

It's hard to say whether these small regional airports would survive without taxpayer support. But if they wouldn't, then they shouldn't.