Tyler Pounds Regional Airport Secured Tower Design Grant
The airport received federal funding to design a new air traffic control tower to replace the 78-year-old facility.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Air Travel
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Tyler Pounds Regional Airport has been awarded a $766,000 grant from the FAA to begin design and infrastructure planning for a new air traffic control tower. The current tower, which is 78 years old, suffers from aging mechanical systems and a lack of elevator accessibility.
Why it matters
Updating the tower and airport infrastructure is essential for the 1,200-acre facility to accommodate future growth and modernize its aging systems. The airport is now positioned to compete for additional federal funding to cover the eventual construction costs of the project.
The airport spans 1,200 acres and operates a control tower that has been in service for 78 years. In addition to the $766,000 tower design grant, the airport also secured $2 million to fund a new passenger boarding bridge.
The players
Tyler Pounds Regional Airport
This facility is a key regional aviation hub serving the city of Tyler, Texas.
Federal Aviation Administration
This national agency is responsible for the safety and regulation of civil aviation in the United States.
The details
Officials evaluated three potential construction sites before selecting a location near the new terminal for the upcoming project. The design phase will encompass comprehensive architectural planning, the installation of necessary underground infrastructure, and the replacement of outdated technical equipment.
Timeline
The current air traffic control tower is 78 years old.
Travel Outlook
The project follows the established pattern of the Airport Improvement Program, which provides federal funding to regional airports to address critical infrastructure obsolescence. This modernization effort positions the airport to handle increased traffic capacity as air travel demand continues to fluctuate globally.
Travelers should not expect immediate changes to airport operations, as the project is currently in the initial design phase. Passengers will eventually benefit from more efficient airport services and updated facilities as the multi-year infrastructure plan progresses.
The takeaway
Replacing aging airport infrastructure is a complex process that begins with years of planning and federal design grants. Residents can expect the airport to remain focused on securing subsequent construction funds as it transitions away from its 78-year-old facility.
Further reading
Learn more about local aviation infrastructure developments on the Air Travel page.
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Should local airports prioritize building new infrastructure to accommodate future growth?
