Legislation Introduced to Provide $30 Billion for Aviation and Air Traffic Control Modernization

WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) on Wednesday to call on Congress to pass the Modern Skies Act, newly introduced legislation that proposes a $30 billion investment in United States aviation infrastructure and air traffic control systems.

The proposed measure allocates funding across three primary areas:

• $10 billion for digital architecture: This includes funding to upgrade safety separation tools for air traffic controllers, construct a more resilient telecommunications system for air traffic management, implement flow management technology, and integrate artificial intelligence data capabilities through the SMART program.
• $10 billion for airport infrastructure: The funds are targeted toward replacing older air traffic control towers, facilities, and runways.
• $10 billion for airport development: This component establishes a pilot grant program for transitional airports that service between 5 million and 25 million passengers annually.

Additionally, the bill contains transfer authority aimed at providing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with administrative flexibility to deploy radars, radios, electronic flight strips, and surface awareness tools.

According to officials, the legislation is designed to build upon a previous $12.5 billion investment from the Working Families Tax Cut, which the Department of Transportation (DOT) stated has been used to replace copper wiring with fiber, upgrade controller radios, and install surveillance technology.

"The $12.5 billion Congress provided is a critical down payment to replace outdated infrastructure, but we can’t stop at simply replacing old technology," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said, arguing that additional funding is needed to automate and improve the overall efficiency and resilience of the airspace.

The legislation has received backing from nearly 60 aviation industry groups and labor unions. Endorsing organizations include Airlines for America, the Air Line Pilots Association, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the American Association of Airport Executives, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

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