Sacramento, CA — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a design-build contract to Walsh Federal LLC for a new air traffic control tower at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), marking a major milestone in the long-planned replacement of the Airport’s existing tower, which has been in service since 1967.

The contract was awarded September 19, 2026, with work scheduled through early 2030. The new tower is expected to become fully operational around 2030.

“This contract award is a significant step forward for the long-term safety, efficiency and resilience of our airspace operations at Sacramento International Airport,” said Harry Barrett Jr., Assistant Director of Airports for Sacramento County. “We have been ready for this investment for many years, and we are excited to see the project move from planning toward construction.”

The FAA previously identified SMF as a priority site for tower replacement in 2016. SMF is one of eight airports nationwide selected for new tower construction as part of a broader FAA initiative to modernize aging air traffic infrastructure. The program is supported in part by funding from the $5 billion allocated to the FAA Air Traffic Organization through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The current SMF control tower presents operational and accessibility limitations as well as challenges associated with aging facility systems. The replacement tower will be located on the Airport’s north campus and will provide improved sightlines and a modernized working environment designed to better support FAA air traffic controllers. The new location will also enhance security by relocating critical operations away from public-facing airport areas.

The FAA contract with Walsh Federal covers design and construction of the replacement tower, with a period of performance extending through February 2030. Construction is currently expected to begin in summer 2027. The new tower will remain FAA-owned and FAA-operated upon completion.