[Airport Improvement Program Discretionary Grants](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip)

February 17, 2026

Up to $120 million total; individual awards between $25,000 and $83,300,000

Supports airport-owned air traffic control tower projects at eligible airports to modernize, repair, or replace aging infrastructure.

No cost sharing or matching required.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), provides funding for airport-owned airport traffic control tower (ATCT) projects through the FAA Contract Tower (FCT) Competitive Grant Program. The grant aims to address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports by supporting projects that sustain, construct, repair, improve, rehabilitate, modernize, replace, or relocate non-approach control towers. Funding is also available for acquiring and installing air traffic control, communications, and related equipment, as well as constructing remote towers certified by the FAA. --- ## Due Dates - February 17, 2026: Full application deadline (closing date for applications) --- ## Funding Amount - Total available funding: Up to $120 million for FY 2026. - Individual award range: $25,000 (minimum) to $83,300,000 (maximum) per project. - No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Airport sponsors approved in the FAA’s Contract Tower Program or Contract Tower Cost Share Program (per 49 U.S.C. § 47124). - Entities normally eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) competitive grants (per 49 U.S.C. § 47115), such as: - Public agencies - Private entities - State agencies - Indian Tribes or Pueblos owning a public-use National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) airport - The Secretary of the Interior for Midway Island airport - The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau For a comprehensive list and further details, see [AIP Handbook Table 2-1](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/aip_handbook/media/AIP-Handbook-Order-5100-38D-Chg1.pdf) and [eligible airport list](https://www.faa.gov/bil/atct-list). --- ## Application Process 1. **Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity**: Read the [FY 2026 NOFO](https://www.faa.gov/iija/airport-infrastructure/fct/FY26_FCT_NOFO_Final_01162026.pdf) for program details and requirements. 2. **Register with SAM**: Ensure your organization is registered with the [System for Award Management (SAM)](https://sam.gov/content/home) and maintains an active registration. 3. **Complete Required Forms**: - [FAA Form 5100-144](https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1040623) (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Airport Terminal and Tower Project Information) - Save and submit the completed form electronically using the "Submit" button to email [IIJAAirports@faa.gov](mailto:iijaairports@faa.gov). 4. **Follow-up Requirements**: If selected, you must follow standard [AIP grant application procedures](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/), including submission of Standard Form SF-424 and FAA Form 5100-100. --- ## Additional Information - There are currently 179 airports eligible under the contract tower program. - No eligible towers are located in Alaska, the Virgin Islands, or the Pacific Islands (Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands). - Applicants will be notified of outcomes in writing or electronically. - Selected applicants must meet all prerequisites for funding before award. --- ## External Links - [FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program Overview](https://www.faa.gov/iija/airport-infrastructure/fct) - [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)](https://www.faa.gov/iija/airport-infrastructure/fct/FY26_FCT_NOFO_Final_01162026.pdf) - [AIP Handbook Table 2-1 (Eligibility Details)](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/aip_handbook/media/AIP-Handbook-Order-5100-38D-Chg1.pdf) - [Eligible Airports List](https://www.faa.gov/bil/atct-list) - [Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Main Page](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip) - [System for Award Management (SAM)](https://sam.gov/content/home) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |---------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | Direct to the appropriate [Regional Office (RO), Airports District Office (ADO)](https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/arp/offices/regional_offices) or State Agency for Airports (SBGP) | | Program Email | [IIJAAirports@faa.gov](mailto:iijaairports@faa.gov) | | Funder Main Contact | (202)-267-3347 | | Funder Website | [Airport Improvement Program Discretionary Grants](https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip) |

FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) FAA Contract Tower (FCT) Competitive Grant Program

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