USDA Awards $3 Million Grant for New Casper-Natrona County International Airport Control Tower
Why It MattersFederal rural-development money is reaching regional airport infrastructure, with the tower's replacement ending dependence on one of the oldest active towers in the FAA system.
A $3 million Community Facilities Grant from USDA Rural Development will help fund a new air traffic control tower at Casper-Natrona County International Airport in Wyoming. The grant is part of a $146 million package of direct loans, guaranteed loans and grants awarded across Wyoming in fiscal year 2026, drawn from nearly $25 billion in rural community investments announced nationwide.
The new tower will replace the airport's existing control tower, built in 1954, which stands under 50 feet tall and is among the oldest active towers in the Federal Aviation Administration system, according to airport director Glenn Januska. The replacement will reach approximately 132 feet. It is designed as an occupied shaft tower with space for administrative offices, equipment and maintenance on each level, and will have a 440-square-foot cab giving three controllers and a supervisor a 360-degree view of airfield operations.
Project representatives broke ground in August, and construction began in September. Work is expected to take about 18 months, with completion anticipated in 2028. The total project cost is estimated at $30 million, funded through seven revenue streams, including $3 million from the airport, $2 million from Natrona County and additional federal allocations. U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman said the tower was among the first community projects brought to her attention four years ago as needing federal funding.
