The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started investing the first 1 billion USD in funding to modernise the country’s air traffic control system.
The funding is part of a total 5 billion USD that will be invested to maintain and replace air traffic control buildings and equipment across the US thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:Air traffic control facilities are the nerve centres of our airspace system, and a big part of the reason why flying is the safest mode of transportation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will repair, replace and modernise the infrastructure that our air traffic control system relies on to keep the traveling public safe for generations to come.
The 1 billion USD available in the first year of funding will be used to improve several key components of the nation’s air traffic control system:
- Reinforcing navigation, weather and tracking equipment
- Replacing systems that power air traffic control systems at US airports
- Updating the country’s 22 Air Route Traffic Control Centers that handle aircraft flying at high altitudes
- Renovating the supporting infrastructure at long-range radar sites
- Paying for design, site evaluation and preparation for replacing air traffic control towers at regional airports
- Improving towers and approach and departure facilities by funding elevators, plumbing systems and supporting infrastructure
- Recruiting installation technicians and engineers needed to improve and modernise air traffic facilities
- Upgrading integrated security systems at all FAA staffed facilities
These projects will create jobs for local suppliers, construction workers, and communities nationwide.
