South Bend airport secures $7.4M for entrance enhancements
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The Indiana State Budget Committee last week released $7.4 million in general funds for improvements at South Bend International Airport.
The funding will be used to bring upgrades to the airport’s entrance in an 800-foot area dedicated to passenger drop-off and pick-up.
Work will include projects like window replacement and updated landscaping to refresh the overall appearance of the airport’s entrance as well as new public safety features including new canopies and raised crosswalks connecting the airport to its parking lots. The project will also include new brick and stone veneer to replace weathered metal panels.
With funding now secured, South Bend airport officials will now shift their attention to work on engineering concepts, design plans and securing bids. Officials say they have not set a firm timeline but expect work to begin by summer 2024.
Mike Daigle speaks to the Indiana State Budget Committee about anticipated improvements at South Bend International Airport.
The state funding comes as airport officials work through their third year of a $70 million federal project to reconstruct and modernize the terminal apron planes park on to offload and board passengers.
South Bend International Airport CEO & Executive Director Mike Daigle told state budget committee members last week that increased economic activity in the area, such as the $3 billion General Motors and Samsung SDI electric vehicle battery plant planned in nearby New Carlisle, contributes to airport officials’ desires to improve existing services and grow new transportation opportunities.
“We are tremendously grateful to the legislators for supporting the infrastructure needs that will ultimately enhance safety for all visitors at South Bend International Airport,” Daigle said in a statement provided to Inside INdiana Business this week. “These projects are necessary, but required funding to improve the passenger experience.”