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

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

In the moments before and after the crash, which happened about 11:35 p.m. Sunday, an air traffic controller can be heard saying he “messed up” by failing to prevent the collision.

The dean of the UND Aerospace School said there’s a growing interest among students in the air traffic control program. UND is part of the program called the “Enhanced Training Initiative” with the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA is investigating a reported close call between two Southwest flights at Nashville airport involving a go-around and onboard traffic alerts.