(Casper, Wyo., August 18, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wyoming State Director Tyler Harrison joined Congresswoman Harriet Hageman at a groundbreaking event for a new air traffic control tower at the Casper/Natrona County International Airport. The project is funded in part with a $3 million grant through USDA’s Community Facilities program.
“Reliable, accessible air travel is a catalyst for stronger local economies as it supports businesses, fuels tourism, and sustains jobs,” Harrison said. “This project, made possible through the leadership of Congresswoman Hageman and community leaders, reflects USDA’s commitment to expanding opportunities in rural Wyoming. It’s an investment in communities, in families, and in a future where growth isn’t just happening on the ground, but in the skies above.”
The old air traffic control tower at Casper/Natrona County airport was commissioned in 1954 and has significant line-of-sight issues. Additionally, the infrastructure and systems are beyond useful life, limiting operators’ ability to run the airport safely. The new tower will include Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRAC) and address the old tower’s problems, securing the air services this airport provides to central Wyoming.
“This tower was one of the very first community projects that was brought to my attention four years ago as being one in need of federal funding,” said Rep. Harriet Hageman. “The commitment of the airport, its employees, and community leaders made it possible to direct $3 million dollars from Washington, DC to build a brand-new tower and replace the antiquated systems remaining from the World War II era. The day has finally come to embark on these long overdue renovations for the construction of a new state-of-the-art air facility as we usher in the Golden Age of Air travel.”
USDA Rural Development attended the groundbreaking event in partnership with Wyoming Representative Hageman (WY 01), who worked to secure community project funding. Additional funding for this impactful project is provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, Natrona County, the State of Wyoming, and the airport. USDA’s Community Facilities Programs offer funding for public service buildings to improve the quality of life in rural America.
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/wy.
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