WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of Transportation will invest more than $750 million to replace eight aging air traffic control towers and radar facilities as part of a broader federal push to modernize aviation infrastructure and reduce operational disruptions tied to deteriorating equipment.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the funding alongside an additional $85.8 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to modernize Federal Contract Towers at 41 airports across 24 states.
Federal officials cited aging infrastructure, including failing HVAC systems, leaking roofs and pest-related problems, as factors affecting air traffic operations at older facilities.
The FAA selected replacement projects based on safety and efficiency needs within the national airspace system. New facilities will be built in Charleston, South Carolina; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greer, South Carolina; Lawton, Oklahoma; Pocatello, Idaho; Sacramento, California; San Jose, California; and Tamiami, Florida.
“Our controllers are the best in the world and they deserve to work in the best, most modern facilities,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated while outlining the modernization initiative.
The agency indicated the new facilities will include updated air traffic control equipment tied to the administration’s broader air traffic control modernization program.
Separately, the FAA is distributing funding through its Federal Contract Tower Grant Program, which provides $20 million annually over five years for infrastructure upgrades and communications equipment improvements at towers staffed by contract personnel.
Among the funded projects, Acadiana Regional Airport will receive $915,000 for facility improvements, Marana Regional Airport will receive $800,000 to support the design of a new tower, Missoula County Airport Authority will receive $1 million for infrastructure modernization, and Wiley Post Airport will receive $10 million to construct a new contract tower.
The FAA reported that additional upgrades will include replacement of obsolete radios, automated voice recorders, airport lighting controls, elevators, windows and climate-control systems.
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