New State-of-the-Art Control Tower for Kissimmee Gateway Airport Secured with $10M Grant
The City of Kissimmee has been awarded a major federal grant to replace its aging air traffic control tower with a state-of-the-art facility. Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) received a $10 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Contract Tower Program for Fiscal Year 2026, officially awarded on May 18, 2026. The funding will support construction of a new air traffic control tower to replace the current facility built in 1997.
According to Shaun Germolus, Kissimmee’s Aviation Director, the city has been working for over 15 years to secure funding for this critical infrastructure upgrade. The new tower will feature dramatically improved capabilities, with the control cab positioned at 85 feet—more than double the current 40-foot height—providing controllers with significantly better visibility of both airspace and ground operations.
“This is an important step forward not only for the airport, but for the future of aviation and economic development in Kissimmee,” said Germolus. The modern facility will include updated technology, enhanced operational capabilities, and improved working conditions for air traffic controllers managing the airport’s forecasted 160,000 annual operations.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport serves as a reliever facility for Orlando International Airport and plays a vital role in Central Florida’s aviation ecosystem, supporting:
- Business aviation
- Pilot training schools
- Emergency evacuation operations
City officials expressed gratitude to U.S. Representative Darren Soto for his advocacy in securing the grant. Construction is expected to begin in January 2027 with completion targeted for 2029.
Source: General Aviation News