U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly Monday welcomed an announcement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarding the South Bend International Airport (SBN) more than $1.3 million in federal funding to go toward their U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility. This funding is part of the airport’s effort to expand service to passengers flying to-and-from international destinations.
Donnelly said, “I have been proud to support the airport’s efforts to establish an international terminal and customs facility over the past several years. This funding is another important step in the airport’s work to support international flights in the future, which will benefit travelers, the airport, and economic growth across the South Bend region.”
Mike Daigle, Executive Director of South Bend International Airport, said, “Dating to December 2013, Senator Donnelly assisted in the application process for SBN to become a User Fee Airport which will ultimately permit our passengers to fly nonstop to-and-from international destinations. We are thankful for Senator Donnelly’s support of the economic engine that is South Bend International Airport.”
The international designation paved the way for the airport to construct a safe and secure facility to establish international clearance operations and meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection standards. The airport went on to receive federal and state funds and used airport funds to construct an $11 million international terminal and customs facility.
