04/24/14 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) released the following statement after the South Bend Regional Airport announced Wednesday plans to add international flights to their facility and become South Bend International.
“Becoming an international airport is no small feat. With an estimated economic impact of $100 million dollars by delivering an additional 30,000 to 40,000 international travelers annually, this expansion is one more example that demonstrates the City of South Bend is becoming an economic driver of Northern Indiana,” Walorski said. “Offering international flights right here in our community will provide economic benefits that currently aren’t possible. Corporations and international travelers will soon have the option to choose South Bend International as their first stop when entering the United States. The economic impact this will bring to the tourism, hospitality and aviation industries will be immense. Not to mention, we now have another tool in our toolbox to promote South Bend as one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family.”
Walorski joined South Bend Deputy Mayor Mark Neal, Mishawaka Mayor David Wood, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners President Andrew Kostielney, St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board of Directors President Thomas Botkin, and St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Rea for the announcement. The $3 million project is expected to build two new facilities and attract between 30,000 to 40,000 international travelers per year. According to the Aviation Authority of Indiana, South Bend Regional airport’s total annual economic impact on South Bend and surrounding communities in 2012 was in excess of $1.7 billion.
