- The Modern Skies Act would fund ATC technology, telecommunications and SMART data capabilities
- The bill would create grants for replacing aging runways, facilities and ATC towers
- The funding would be used to create a pilot grant program for transitional airports
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., are urging Congress to pass legislation that would provide $30 billion to modernize the air traffic control system, replace aging aviation infrastructure and build airports nationwide.
The Modern Skies Act would divide the funding into three $10 billion allocations, the Department of Transportation said Monday.
The bill’s proposed investment in ATC data, telecommunications and digital architecture highlights the role of technology in federal modernization. Hear more about emerging IT priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 FedCiv Summit on Oct. 29. Sign up today!
What Would the Modern Skies Act Fund?
The bill would direct $10 billion toward completing the digital architecture behind air traffic control. The funding would cover controller safety separation tools, a more resilient telecommunications system and data capabilities for the Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories, or SMART, tool.
A second $10 billion allocation would replace runways, airport facilities and aging air traffic control towers. A third would create a pilot grant program for transitional airports, which serve 5 million to 25 million passengers each year but lack access to capital.
The legislation would also grant the Federal Aviation Administration transfer authority. The provision would give the agency flexibility to keep deploying radars, radios, surface awareness tools and other equipment.
How Does the Bill Build on Existing Funding?
The Modern Skies Act would follow $12.5 billion Congress provided through the Working Families Tax Cut, according to DOT. The department said that funding is supporting the transition of towers to electronic flight strips, the installation of new radios and radars and updates to telecommunications lines. Deployment is scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2028.
Who Supports the Legislation?
The bill has backing from nearly 60 aviation organizations, including Airlines for America, the Air Line Pilots Association, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the American Association of Airport Executives. The groups cited the need for additional funding to continue air traffic control and airport modernization efforts.
