Congressman August Pfluger (R) welcomed U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to San Angelo Regional Airport, where Duffy announced $18 million in federal funding to modernize the airport's air traffic control tower and aviation infrastructure.
$18 Million Coming to San Angelo Airport
Rep. Pfluger hosted Sec. Duffy in San Angelo for a tour of the San Angelo Regional Airport (SJT) and Angelo State University's growing aviation program.
During the visit, Sec. Duffy announced that SJT will receive $18 million in federal funding as part of a nationwide $12.5 billion initiative to modernize air traffic control systems and towers across the country.
The investment is intended to upgrade critical infrastructure at the airport and improve air traffic operations for the more than 100,000 passengers who use the facility each year.
What Will the Funding Be Used For?
The federal funding will support several modernization projects at the airport's air traffic control tower, including:
- Replacing aging copper telecommunications lines with fiber optic systems
- Installing a new digital voice switch
- Upgrading to next-generation radio equipment
- Adding a new FAA radar system
- Installing modern digital information displays
Airport officials say the upgrades will improve communications and operational efficiency.
What Pfluger and Duffy are saying
Rep. August Pfluger: "San Angelo has a long history of training the world's best aviators. To continue that legacy and keep pace with the demands of aviation, we must replace our aging air traffic control tower."
Sec. Sean Duffy: "West Texas is fortunate to have a representative in Congress like Rep. Pfluger. His advocacy helped secure $18 million for air traffic control upgrades to SJT's tower."
The Bottom Line
Federal officials are investing $18 million to modernize San Angelo Regional Airport's air traffic control infrastructure, a move supporters say will strengthen aviation safety, improve operations, and support pilot and air traffic controller training in West Texas.
