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USCTA

Improving Aviation Safety Across the U.S.

Our Commitment to National Aviation Safety

We created the U.S. Contract Tower Association (USCTA) in 1996 to promote the FAA’s Contract Tower (FCT) Program. Today, 256 airports around the country participate in this public-private-partnership that has a strong track record of enhancing aviation safety.

For almost 30 years, USCTA has successfully advocated for our members on Capitol Hill and at the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration, and other federal agencies. We also help to educate the DOT Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office, and others on the benefits of the FCT program.

With help from our members, USCTA has scored some notable victories for contract towers recently including securing $205.4 million for the FCT Program in Fiscal Year 2024. That record-level funding is almost $18 million more than the previous year. And we’re on track to receive even higher funding in Fiscal Year 2025.

Meanwhile, the FAA is continuing to distribute grants to contract tower airports after we convinced Congress to provide at least $300 million to upgrade aging contract towers in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Contract tower airports may also receive an additional $500 million in BIL funding in the years ahead.

USCTA proudly serves our members, and we strive to provide timely updates on these and other legislative and regulatory issues. The association also holds an annual conference in Washington, DC – a must attend event for members wanting to hear directly from key administration officials, FCT contractors, vendors, and other airport leaders.

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about USCTA and the FCT program. We look forward to hearing from you! 

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USCTA Alerts

Aviation Safety Alerts and USCTA Policy Updates

Airport Alert
Airport Alert: House Committee Advances FY27 DHS/TSA/CBP Spending Bill
The House Appropriations Committee approves on a party-line vote of 34-27 its version of the Fiscal Year 2027 spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security and its component agencies.
06/11/2026
Regulatory Alert
Regulatory Alert: DOT Updates Title VI Regulations to Eliminate Disparate-Impact Liability
DOT publishes a final rule that updates the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits any person from being denied the benefits of a federal grant based on their race, color, or national origin.
06/11/2026
Airport Alert
Airport Alert: House FY27 DHS Appropriations Report Released; More Good News for Airports
In advance of consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 funding bill for DHS by the full House Appropriations Committee, the Committee releases its FY27 report, which provides additional direction from Congress to DHS and its component agencies.
06/08/2026

Questions? Contact Us!

To learn more about USCTA or to become a member, contact:

Brad Van Dam

Brad Van Dam
Senior Vice President, Government Affairs
brad.vandam@aaae.org
703.797.2534

Special thanks to our sponsor:

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