FAA Drops $120M for Crumbling Air Traffic Towers: Safety Cash Call
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is offering up to $120 million in grants for airports to fix or upgrade their contract air traffic control towers in 2026. Airports that own these towers can apply by February 17, 2026, to get money for repairs, new equipment, or even building remote towers. This program helps keep our skies safe by modernizing aging airport towers across the country.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Up to $120M for Contract Towers
Airports that own contract air traffic control towers can apply for grants totaling up to $120 million for Fiscal Year 2026. Applicants must submit FAA Form 5100-144 electronically by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 17, 2026. The funding includes up to $20 million for FY2026 plus up to $100 million of FY2022 unobligated Airport Infrastructure Grant funds.
Allowed Uses: Towers and Equipment
Grants may be used to sustain, construct, repair, improve, rehabilitate, modernize, replace, or relocate non-approach control towers. Funds can also buy and install air traffic control, communications, and related equipment, or pay to construct an FAA-certified remote tower including required equipment.
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