Colorado Aeronautics Board conditionally commits $5 million to remote air‑traffic tower proposal
June 11, 2026 | Department of Transportation, State Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Colorado
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The Colorado Aeronautics Board on June 16 approved a conditional commitment of $5 million to support a proposal to install remote (digital) air‑traffic control tower systems at Colorado airports if the Federal Aviation Administration selects the division’s bid.
Director Dave said the state helped pioneer remote‑tower testing in Colorado and that the FAA has progressed toward system design approval. "I am respectfully requesting from the CAB a conditional commitment of $5 million dollars through a resolution 2026‑07 that would be allocated if we were selected," he told board members, adding the funds would be distributed through the division’s existing grant process rather than sent directly to the FAA.
The funding is intended to bolster Colorado’s proposal during a national FAA request for proposals that includes an allocation of about $36 million in federal funds for installation of certified remote‑tower systems. The division plans to respond offering both a single‑airport option and an alternative for a remote‑tower center that could manage multiple airports from a central facility.
Bryce, the division’s business manager, said financial forecasts show the division can set aside the money without harming core grant programs. "As business manager, I would have no problem recommending the adoption ... to commit in the future $5 million to this project," he said, noting contingency forecasts still keep projected cash above prudent levels.
Board members emphasized safety and operational benefits for mountain and seasonal airports with commercial service but no staffed control towers. The board voted by voice to approve staff’s resolution (2026‑07) making the conditional commitment contingent on FAA selection and later formal allocation processes.
The division also noted it will submit its FAA proposal before the June 22 RFP deadline and will return to the board with a formal budget amendment if the federal award is secured. The resolution passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Director Dave said the state helped pioneer remote‑tower testing in Colorado and that the FAA has progressed toward system design approval. "I am respectfully requesting from the CAB a conditional commitment of $5 million dollars through a resolution 2026‑07 that would be allocated if we were selected," he told board members, adding the funds would be distributed through the division’s existing grant process rather than sent directly to the FAA.
The funding is intended to bolster Colorado’s proposal during a national FAA request for proposals that includes an allocation of about $36 million in federal funds for installation of certified remote‑tower systems. The division plans to respond offering both a single‑airport option and an alternative for a remote‑tower center that could manage multiple airports from a central facility.
Bryce, the division’s business manager, said financial forecasts show the division can set aside the money without harming core grant programs. "As business manager, I would have no problem recommending the adoption ... to commit in the future $5 million to this project," he said, noting contingency forecasts still keep projected cash above prudent levels.
Board members emphasized safety and operational benefits for mountain and seasonal airports with commercial service but no staffed control towers. The board voted by voice to approve staff’s resolution (2026‑07) making the conditional commitment contingent on FAA selection and later formal allocation processes.
The division also noted it will submit its FAA proposal before the June 22 RFP deadline and will return to the board with a formal budget amendment if the federal award is secured. The resolution passed on a unanimous voice vote.
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