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August Pfluger Announces $18 Million for Airport Upgrades

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.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a Legislative Correspondent based in Austin, Texas, specializing in state government and public policy. With one year of reporting under her belt, she covers legislative developments, committee hearings, and policy debates. She has been cited by Texas Politics and Big Energy for her coverage and analysis of legislative and regulatory issues. Her reporting typically focuses on Public policy, Stare government, environmental policy, and energy regulation. To contact her, please reach out at Raeylee@dnm.news