Title 49 — TransportationRelease 119-73
§48101 Air navigation facilities and equipment
Title 49 › Subtitle SUBTITLE VII— - AVIATION PROGRAMS › Part PART C— - FINANCING › Chapter CHAPTER 481— - AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND AUTHORIZATIONS › § 48101
Summary
Sets caps on how much money from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund the Transportation Secretary can use to buy, build, and improve air navigation facilities. The limits are $3,191,250,000 for fiscal year 2024; $3,575,000,000 for 2025; $3,625,000,000 for 2026; $3,675,000,000 for 2027; and $3,725,000,000 for 2028. Money provided for these purposes stays available until it is all spent. Some of that money can be used for specific projects, such as upgrades to weather reporting systems, building remote towers, fixing cybersecurity problems and building cyber facilities, data communications systems, keeping up and repairing FAA facilities and cutting maintenance backlogs, modernizing the Civil Aviation Registry, building priority National Airspace System facilities, and cost-saving construction or retrofits. The FAA Administrator must prepare life-cycle cost estimates for any air traffic control modernization project with total life-cycle costs of $50,000,000 or more.
Full Legal Text
Title 49, §48101
Transportation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Not more than a total of the following amounts may be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation out of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund established under section 9502 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9502) to acquire, establish, and improve air navigation facilities under section 44502(a)(1)(A) of this title:
(1)$3,191,250,000 for fiscal year 2024.
(2)$3,575,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(3)$3,625,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
(4)$3,675,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
(5)$3,725,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
(b)Amounts appropriated under this section remain available until expended.
(c)Of the amounts appropriated under subsection (a), such sums as may be necessary may be used for the following:
(1)The implementation and use of upgrades to the current automated surface observation system/automated weather observing system, if the upgrade is successfully demonstrated.
(2)The acquisition and construction of remote towers (as defined in section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018).
(3)The remediation and elimination of identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the air traffic control system.
(4)The construction of facilities dedicated to improving the cybersecurity of the National Airspace System.
(5)Systems associated with the Data Communications program.
(6)The infrastructure, sustainment, and the elimination of the deferred maintenance backlog of air navigation facilities and other facilities for which the Federal Aviation Administration is responsible.
(7)The modernization and digitization of the Civil Aviation Registry.
(8)The construction of necessary Priority 1 National Airspace System facilities.
(9)Cost-beneficial construction, rehabilitation, or retrofitting programs designed to reduce Federal Aviation Administration facility operating costs.
(d)The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish life-cycle cost estimates for any air traffic control modernization project the total life-cycle costs of which equal or exceed $50,000,000.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 48101(a)49 App.:2202(a)(24).Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, § 503(a)(24), 96 Stat. 674; Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, § 103(c)(1), 101 Stat. 1488. 49 App.:2205(a)(1) (1st sentence).Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, § 506(a)(1), 96 Stat. 677; restated Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, § 105(a)(2), 101 Stat. 1490; Nov. 5, 1990, Pub. L. 101–508, § 9105(b), 104 Stat. 1388–355; Oct. 31, 1992, Pub. L. 102–581, § 103(a), 106 Stat. 4877. 48101(b)49 App.:2202(a)(24). 49 App.:2205(a)(2) (1st sentence).Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, § 506(a)(2), 96 Stat. 677; Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, § 105(a)(2), 101 Stat. 1490; restated Oct. 31, 1992, Pub. L. 102–581, § 103(b), 106 Stat. 4877. 48101(c)49 App.:2205(a)(1) (last sentence), (2) (last sentence). In subsection (a), the words “to the Secretary of Transportation” are added for clarity and consistency in this chapter. The words “for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1990” and “$2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 1991” are omitted as obsolete.
Editorial Notes
References in Text
section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is section 161 of Pub. L. 115–254, which is set out as a note under section 47104 of this title.
Amendments
2024—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–63 added pars. (1) to (5) and struck out former pars. (1) to (7) which read as follows: “(1) $3,330,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. “(2) $3,398,000,000 for fiscal year 2019. “(3) $3,469,000,000 for fiscal year 2020. “(4) $3,547,000,000 for fiscal year 2021. “(5) $3,624,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. “(6) $3,701,000,000 for fiscal year 2023. “(7) $1,794,357,923 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2023, and ending on
May 10, 2024.” Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 118–41 added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: “$1,287,431,694 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2023, and ending on
March 8, 2024.” 2023—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 118–34 added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: “$740,273,224 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2023, and ending on
December 31, 2023.” Pub. L. 118–15 added par. (7). 2018—Subsec. (a)(1) to (4). Pub. L. 115–254, § 112(a), added pars. (1) to (4) and struck out former pars. (1) to (4) which read as follows: “(1) $2,731,000,000 for fiscal year 2012. “(2) $2,715,000,000 for fiscal year 2013. “(3) $2,730,000,000 for fiscal year 2014. “(4) $2,730,000,000 for fiscal year 2015.” Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 115–254, § 112(a), added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which read as follows: “$2,855,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2018.” Pub. L. 115–141, § 105(1), substituted “2016 through 2018” for “2016 and 2017”. Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–254, § 112(a), added par. (6). Pub. L. 115–141, § 105(2), struck out par. (6) which read as follows: “$1,423,589,041 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2017, and ending on
March 31, 2018.” Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–254, § 112(b)(2), substituted “may be used for the following:” and pars. (1) to (9) for “may be necessary may be used for the implementation and use of upgrades to the current automated surface observation system/automated weather observing system, if the upgrade is successfully demonstrated.” Pub. L. 115–254, § 112(b)(1), substituted “Authorized Expenditures” for “Automated Surface Observation System/Automated Weather Observing System Upgrade” in heading. 2017—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–63 added par. (6). 2016—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 114–190 amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: “$2,058,333,333 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on
July 15, 2016.” Pub. L. 114–141 amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: “$1,300,000,000 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2015, and ending on
March 31, 2016.” 2015—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 114–55 added par. (5). 2012—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–95, § 102(a), added pars. (1) to (4) and struck out former pars. (1) to (8) which authorized appropriations for fiscal years 2004 through 2011, and for the period beginning Oct. 1, 2011, and ending Feb. 17, 2012. Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 112–91 amended par. (8) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (8) read as follows: “$917,704,544 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2011, and ending on
January 31, 2012.” Subsecs. (c) to (i). Pub. L. 112–95, § 102(b), redesignated subsecs. (f) and (g) as (c) and (d), respectively, and struck out former subsecs. (c), (d), (e), (h), and (i), which related, respectively, to enhanced safety and security for aircraft operations in the Gulf of Mexico, operational benefits of wake vortex advisory system, ground-based precision navigational aids, standby power efficiency program, and pilot program to provide incentives for development of new technologies. 2011—Subsec. (a)(7), (8). Pub. L. 112–30 added pars. (7) and (8). 2010—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 111–216 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$2,453,539,493 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2009, and ending on
August 1, 2010.” Pub. L. 111–197 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$2,220,252,132 for the period beginning on
October 1, 2009, and ending on
July 3, 2010.” Pub. L. 111–161 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$1,712,785,083 for the 7-month period beginning on
October 1, 2009.” Pub. L. 111–153 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$1,466,888,500 for the 6-month period beginning on
October 1, 2009.” 2009—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 111–12 substituted “$2,742,095,000 for fiscal year 2009” for “$1,360,188,750 for the 6-month period beginning on
October 1, 2008”. Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 111–116 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (6) read as follows: “$733,444,250 for the 3-month period beginning on
October 1, 2009.” Pub. L. 111–69 added par. (6). 2008—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 110–330 added par. (5). 2003—Subsec. (a)(1) to (5). Pub. L. 108–176, § 102(1), added pars. (1) to (4) and struck out formers par. (1) to (5) which read as follows: “(1) $2,131,000,000 for fiscal year 1999. “(2) $2,689,000,000 for fiscal year 2000. “(3) $2,656,765,000 for fiscal year 2001. “(4) $2,914,000,000 for fiscal year 2002. “(5) $2,981,022,000 for fiscal year 2003.” Subsecs. (b) to (e). Pub. L. 108–176, § 102(2), (3), added subsecs. (c) to (e), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (b), and struck out former subsecs. (b), (d) and (e), which related, respectively, to major airway capital investment plan changes, universal access systems, and the Alaska National Air Space Interfacility Communications System. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–176, § 102(4), struck out “for fiscal years beginning after
September 30, 2000” after “appropriated under subsection (a)” and inserted “may be used” after “may be necessary”. Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 108–176, § 102(5), added subsecs. (h) and (i). 2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–181, § 102(a), added pars. (1) to (5) and struck out former pars. (1) to (3) which read as follows: “(1) $2,068,000,000 for fiscal year 1997. “(2) $2,129,000,000 for fiscal year 1998. “(3) $2,131,000,000 for fiscal year 1999.” Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–181, § 102(b), added subsec. (d). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–181, § 102(c), added subsec. (e). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–181, § 102(d), added subsec. (f). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–181, § 102(e), added subsec. (g). 1999—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–6 added par. (3). 1996—Pub. L. 104–264, § 102(b)(1), inserted “and equipment” after “facilities” in section catchline. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–264, § 102(a), added pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former pars. (1) to (4) which read as follows: “(1) For the fiscal years ending
September 30, 1991–1993, $8,200,000,000. “(2) For the fiscal years ending
September 30, 1991–1994, $10,724,000,000. “(3) For the fiscal years ending
September 30, 1991–1995, $13,394,000,000. “(4) For the fiscal years ending
September 30, 1991–1996, $16,129,000,000.” 1994—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–305, § 102(a)(1), substituted “For” for “for”. Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–305, § 102(a)(2), substituted “For” for “for” and “$10,724,000,000” for “$11,100,000,000”. Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 103–305, § 102(a)(3), substituted “For” for “for” and “$13,394,000,000” for “$14,000,000,000”. Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 103–305, § 102(a)(4), added par. (4).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
of 2003 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.
Effective Date
of 2000 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.
Effective Date
of 1996 AmendmentExcept as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of this title. Facilities and Equipment Reports Pub. L. 108–176, title I, § 184, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2517, directed the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure every 6 months on the 10 largest programs funded under this section until Dec. 12, 2007. Funding for Aviation Programs Pub. L. 106–181, title I, § 106(a)–(c), Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 72, 73, which related to budget resources made available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund through fiscal year 2003, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–176, title I, § 104(c), Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2497.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
49 U.S.C. § 48101
Title 49 — Transportation
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73