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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the El Paso Air Traffic Control Tower Modernization Act, legislation that would provide the funding necessary to replace the aging air traffic control (ATC) tower at the El Paso International Airport.

While the FAA has acknowledged the crucial need to replace the tower, its funding is subject to available funding. Congresswoman Escobar’s legislation directly provides that funding.

“Our air traffic controllers work tirelessly to keep El Pasoans and visitors safe every single day,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “But they’re doing that vital work from a tower built decades ago, one that no longer meets the needs of a modern, growing region. I’ve been working for years on ensuring we invest in the tools and infrastructure for air traffic controllers in El Paso. My bill ensures El Paso finally receives the safe, state-of-the-art facility our controllers deserve.”

"The air traffic controllers of the El Paso Air Traffic Control facility would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work Congresswoman Veronica Escobar has invested into the new tower replacement project slated for our facility. The new building will replace a nearly sixty year old facility with modern infrastructure designed to ensure that future air traffic controllers have the necessary tools and efficient work environment to provide the safe and orderly movement of aircraft in the Borderland airspace. This project will bring jobs and investment into our community and directly benefit the American flying public. Congresswoman Escobar’s support has been instrumental to the process of securing funding for the design and building phases of the new facility. We thank her for her continued support and dedication to improving conditions to the National Airspace System,” said Cesar Cordero, Principal Facility Representative, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NACTA) – El Paso.

Modernizing the tower has been one of Congresswoman Escobar’s key priorities since first taking office. Her efforts to date include:

• Inspecting the existing tower on multiple occasions to assess its condition;
• Voting for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided national funding for ATC facility upgrades;
• Urging the Department of Transportation to allocate federal resources for the El Paso tower;
• Working with city and federal officials to secure funding for the tower’s design; and
• Hosting numerous senior federal and elected officials, including the former Secretary of Transportation, to tour the tower and elevate the urgency of the project.