# DOT Seeks $30B Aviation Modernization

The Department of Transportation is seeking an additional $30 billion for nationwide FAA air traffic control modernization, after $12.5 billion was approved in 2025. On October 1, 2026, Representative Tracey Mann introduced the Modern Skies Act, with a Senate companion introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt; its proposed funding includes $10.1 billion for air traffic control technology, $10 billion for airport infrastructure, and $10 billion for transitional-airport grants. Those allocations total $30.1 billion, although the bill describes the investment as $30 billion. The request and legislation are not awards or open solicitations. The FAA deployed its SMART airspace-management tool at three Washington-region airports on September 22, and most modernization enhancements are targeted for completion by the end of 2028.

- **Why this matters:** If funding is approved, opportunities could emerge in air traffic control systems, telecommunications, software and AI capabilities, airport facilities, towers, and grants for transitional airports. No specific solicitations or awards are identified yet.
- Companies should distinguish the broader $30 billion funding request from the proposed Modern Skies Act allocations when planning bids, teaming, and market forecasts; both depend on congressional action.
- The September SMART deployment makes controller involvement, system integration, and change management relevant considerations for firms pursuing future FAA modernization work.
- The end-of-2028 target provides a planning horizon for the modernization effort, but the signals do not specify procurement schedules or proposal deadlines.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation, Information Technology, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding, Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- U.S. Congress
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate

### Key Quotes
> This bill will give us the funding we need to modernize the digital architecture powering air traffic control, replace crumbling aviation infrastructure, and build world-class airports across the country.
> — Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary

> We need to finish rebuilding our nation’s air traffic control system with the technology and automation that will improve efficiency and strengthen the safety and resiliency of our airspace.
> — Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator

> I think the feedback was you almost need big, busy airports in order to generate enough information to make AI relevant.
> — Don Beyer, U.S. Representative

### Sources
- [FAA requests $30 billion to prevent more aviation disruptions](https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/6122077-congress-needs-faa-funding) - The Hill
- [Transportation works to ease fears about new AI air traffic control tool - Nextgov/FCW](https://www.nextgov.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/10/transportation-works-ease-fears-about-new-ai-air-traffic-control-tool/416402) - Nextgov/FCW
- [Rep. Mann Introduces Modern Skies Act to Update America’s Aviation System | Representative Tracey Mann](https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-introduces-modern-skies-act-update-americas-aviation-system) - MANN