Where is the $12.5 billion for ATC modernization going?

For more than a year, AOPA has worked with other aviation organizations to put aside another unproductive battle over so-called ATC privatization and coalesce around the need to modernize our nation’s air traffic system. This joint effort has resulted in an industry consensus around modernization and ultimately led to the formation of a Modern Skies Coalition of more than 50 aviation organizations representing airlines, general aviation, manufacturers, labor, and airports.

The $12.5 billion included in H.R.1 has been described by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as a “down payment” toward a broader modernization effort, which some estimate could ultimately cost more than $30 billion. Here is how the initial funding will be used:

• $4.75 billion to modernize telecommunications equipment.
• $3 billion to replace radar systems.
• $1.9 billion to build one new air traffic route control center.
• While no locations are specified, it also requires the FAA to consolidate operations from three existing ARTCCs into the new facility.
• $1 billion to consolidate terminal radar approach control facilities.
• $500 million for runway safety technology.
• $350 million for unstaffed infrastructure sustainment and replacement.
• $300 million to accelerate key NextGen initiatives—like performance-based navigation, data comms, and terminal systems.
• $300 million for Enterprise Information Display Systems.
• This will replace paper-based methods used by controllers today with a digital solution that centralizes and standardizes information that can be used across FAA facilities, including towers, TRACONs, and en route centers.
• $100 million to study the realignment and consolidation of ARTCCs, and close or consolidate at least 10 existing ARTCCs into others.
• $100 million for air traffic controller advanced training technologies.
• $80 million for additional weather stations, including:
• 50 automated weather observing systems (AWOS).
• 60 visual weather observing systems (VWOS).
• 64 weather camera sites and weather stations.
• $50 million to establish a clear approval process for remote towers and deploy them at nontowered airports.
• $50 million to create the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies to test and advance new technologies like powered-lift and advanced air mobility.
• $40 million to implement the Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative, which aims to dramatically reduce fatal aviation accidents outside the continental United States by improving weather reporting, surveillance, and weather cameras.

“This investment takes a significant first step toward beginning the process of replacing our antiquated air traffic control system. There is much more to do, and we look forward to continuing to work with Congress, DOT, FAA, and our industry partners to ensure additional resources are allocated to upgrade the entire system,” AOPA President Darren Pleasance said after the bill was passed by Congress.