# DOT Seeks $30 Billion Air Traffic Funding

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is seeking congressional support by year-end for a $30 billion air traffic control overhaul, but the funding vehicle and timing remain uncertain; $12.5 billion for the effort has already been approved. Separately, NHTSA has proposed a rule change to accommodate fully autonomous vehicles, and DOT has delayed announcing winners of its $650,000 Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Challenge, which plans nine awards of up to $250,000 each.

- The $30 billion request is not yet an available contract opportunity: congressional approval and the funding mechanism remain unresolved. Contractors should distinguish the proposed amount from the $12.5 billion already approved.
- FAA modernization suppliers may find future opportunities if the additional funding is approved, but the signal does not identify a solicitation, contract vehicle, or procurement timeline.
- Challenge applicants are still awaiting DOT’s award decision; the agency has not provided an announcement date.
- The proposed NHTSA rule may affect procurement planning involving fully autonomous vehicles, although the signal does not specify implementation dates or requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Policy
**Published:** October 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- U.S. Congress

### Key Quotes
> No matter what happens in the election I would like to get this money by the end of the year.
> — Sean Duffy, Secretary of Transportation

### Sources
- [Can Duffy get his $30 billion? - POLITICO](https://www.politico.com/newsletters/weekly-transportation/2026/10/26/can-duffy-get-his-30-billion-01134830) - Politico