Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday the federal government is making early progress on a long-delayed overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system, but warned the effort could stall without additional funding from Congress.

The Department of Transportation is eliminating antiquated paper strips, copper communications wiring and computer floppy discs, but it says more money is needed.

The agency received over 12,000 applications in less than two days, making the effort “wildly successful,” according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

WASHINGTON (TNND) — Air traffic control is under increasing scrutiny following a string of close calls and deadly incidents, prompting federal officials to roll out an ambitious plan to modernize the nation’s aging aviation infrastructure and address a critical staffing shortage.

The FAA issued a ground delay at the Nashville airport from 4-10 p.m. on April 16 because there aren't enough air traffic controllers on duty.