Funding Opportunity: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2027 (US)

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers the FY 2027 FAA Contract Tower (FCT) Competitive Grant Program to fund airport-owned air traffic control tower (ATCT) projects that address aging airport infrastructure. This is a discretionary airport infrastructure grant opportunity under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The application deadline is 19 October 2026 (time zone not specified in the source). The FAA announces a competitive grant program (FCT competitive grant program) that makes annual grants available to eligible airports for airport-owned ATCT projects. The program focus is improving, updating, and replacing infrastructure tied to aging airport air traffic control towers. As described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), FAA will consider ATCT projects that support modernization and sustainment of tower-related infrastructure and capabilities. Note on “up to $100 million”: The source text includes the statement that DOT/FAA announces an opportunity to apply for up to $100 million in FY 2027 Airport Infrastructure Grant funds, while the “Estimated Total Program Funding” field lists an award ceiling of $55,000,000. The specific reconciliation between these figures is not specified in the source. Applicants should consult the official FY 2027 NOFO for clarification on available funding amounts. Eligible applicants are primarily airport sponsors approved under the FAA’s Contract Tower Program or Contract Tower Cost Share Program (as defined in 49 U.S.C. § 47124). Applicants must also normally be eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) competitive grants (as defined in 49 U.S.C. § 47115). The source lists eligible applicant types as: The “Additional Information on Eligibility” section further states eligible categories may include: For additional eligibility categories and further details on each eligible applicant category, the source directs applicants to: FAA will consider ATCT projects that address aging airport tower infrastructure and related equipment. Eligible project types include: The opportunity is described as being focused on airport-owned ATCT projects for eligible airports. This competitive grant program is aimed at helping eligible airports maintain and upgrade essential air traffic control tower infrastructure, including tower modernization and replacement, installation of related equipment, and deployment of FAA-certified remote tower solutions. For airport sponsors meeting FAA Contract Tower Program approvals (and AIP competitive grant eligibility norms), it provides a structured funding pathway for infrastructure that supports safe and reliable airport operations.

Official opportunity page (Grants.gov): “View Grant Opportunity” for DOT-FAA-26-0117-002

https: //www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363941

Official eligibility reference (FAA AIP Handbook Table 2-1):

https: //www.faa.gov/airports/aip/aip_handbook/media/AIP-Handbook-Order-5100-38D-Chg1.pdf

NPIAS background (FAA):

https: //www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/npias

What is the FY 2027 FAA Contract Tower (FCT) competitive grant program? It is a competitive grant program from DOT/FAA under the IIJA that funds eligible airports for airport-owned air traffic control tower (ATCT) projects addressing aging infrastructure. Who can apply for DOT-FAA-26-0117-002? Eligible applicants are those that fit the opportunity’s eligible categories, including city/township, county, state governments, special district governments, and other entities—typically airport sponsors approved under FAA’s Contract Tower Program or Contract Tower Cost Share Program and normally eligible for AIP competitive grants. What is the total funding available? The opportunity lists an estimated total program funding award ceiling of $55,000,000. The source also states “up to $100 million” in FY 2027 Airport Infrastructure Grant funds; the NOFO should be consulted for clarification. Is cost sharing required? No. The source specifies Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No. What is the application deadline? The original and current closing date shown is 19 October 2026. The source does not specify a deadline time or time zone. What types of tower projects are eligible? FAA will consider projects that sustain, construct, repair, improve, rehabilitate, modernize, replace, or relocate non-approach control towers; acquire and install tower-related air traffic control and communications equipment; or construct a FAA-certified remote tower with related equipment. Where can I find the official application materials? Use the Grants.gov opportunity page for DOT-FAA-26-0117-002 and follow the “Link to Additional Information” / FY 2027 NOFO referenced on the Grants.gov listing. Before preparing a submission, review the official FY 2027 NOFO linked from the Grants.gov opportunity page to confirm eligibility for your specific airport sponsor category and to obtain the complete application instructions, required forms, and document requirements. Then ensure your proposed ATCT project activities match the eligible project types described by FAA.