How does the Contract Tower Program assess the cost of a control tower?

The correct choice focuses on weighing accident prevention costs against operational efficiencies, which is a crucial aspect of the Contract Tower Program's assessment of control tower costs. This program is aimed at ensuring that air traffic control services maintain safety while also maximizing efficiency in operations. By examining the balance between the costs associated with preventing accidents and the benefits gained from improved operational efficiencies, the program can make more informed decisions regarding the value and effectiveness of a control tower.

This method allows for a comprehensive approach in evaluating whether the costs of maintaining safety measures and infrastructure are justified by the increased efficiency and potential reduction in operational delays. It reflects the program's goal to ensure that resources are allocated effectively while prioritizing safety in air traffic management.

Other options, while they may consider relevant factors, do not encapsulate the overall value assessment that is central to the Contract Tower Program. For example, comparing taxi times primarily focuses on efficiency metrics without directly addressing safety implications, while assessing runway incidents and historical performance data might lack the direct correlation to cost evaluation. The most holistic assessment arises from the combination of maintaining safety and optimizing operations, which option C encompasses effectively.