May 28, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced the investment of over $750 million to replace eight air traffic control towers and Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACONs) with brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is providing $85.8 million to upgrade Federal Contract Towers (FCTs) at 41 airports across 24 states.
The FAA chose the replacement locations based on the safety and efficiency needs of the nation’s airspace system. Many air traffic facilities are decades old. Failing infrastructure such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; pest issues; and leaking roofs have led to interruptions in providing air traffic services.
The FAA is replacing facilities in the following locations:
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Greer, South Carolina
- Lawton, Oklahoma
- Pocatello, Idaho
- Sacramento, California
- San Jose, California
- Tamiami, Florida
The FCT Grant Program provides $20 million annually over five years to modernize towers, improve infrastructure, and install critical air traffic control and communications equipment at FCTs, which are staffed by contract personnel rather than FAA employees.
Projects include:
- Acadiana Regional Airport receiving $915,000 for facility improvements
- Marana Regional Airport receiving $800,000 to support the design of a new sponsor-owned FCT
- Missoula County Airport Authority receiving $1 million to modernize key infrastructure
- Wiley Post Airport receiving $10 million to construct a new sponsor-owned FCT
Additional information:
- The new towers will also have modern equipment as part of the Brand-New Air Traffic Control System.
- The separate facility-upgrade projects will include new windows, heating and cooling systems, elevators, and roof replacement. The funding will also replace obsolete tower equipment, including radios, automated voice recorders, and airport lighting controls.
- The replacement and modernization projects will create high-paying jobs for Americans and elevate America’s aviation infrastructure.
- The FAA continually evaluates air traffic facility conditions and traffic levels to prioritize modernization and replacement projects.
Learn more about the Air Traffic Control Facility Replacement at FAA.
