McLEAN, Va. (AP) - Five airports in Maryland are making their case to the Federal Aviation Administration to keep their air traffic control towers.

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The airports in Hagerstown, Frederick, Easton, Salisbury and Middle River are on a list of 238 small and mid-size airports across the country that might lose their control towers. The FAA is looking to cut costs after automatic federal budget cuts went into effect earlier this week.

All of the airports can operate without towers, but several airport managers said safety risks will increase.

The airports have until Wednesday to officially make their case to the FAA, which expects to make a final decision March 18.