Rehabilitate taxiway lighting; rehabilitate runway lighting; reconstruct runway visual guidance system

The St. Joseph County Airport Authority, doing business as South Bend International Airport, received a $620,853.68 Project Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) on August 8, 2025. This Phase 1 design-phase funding supports the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical airfield lighting and guidance systems at South Bend International Airport. Specifically, the grant funds the design for reconstruction of the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system for Runway 18/36 at both runway thresholds, as well as rehabilitation of existing runway and taxiway lighting systems (Taxiway A and Taxiway N) to extend their useful lives.

The project, with an ultimate completion date of August 7, 2029, falls within the FAA's strategic objectives to maintain safety and operational excellence through transportation infrastructure investment. As a design-phase award, this funding establishes the foundation for subsequent construction phases aimed at modernizing aging airfield infrastructure at the South Bend, Indiana facility. The grant is administered through the FAA's Great Lakes Region office and aligns with the Airport Improvement Program's goal of developing and maintaining a nationwide system of public-use airports adequate to meet civil aeronautics needs.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project reconstructs precision approach path indicator system for runway 18/36, at both runway thresholds, that have reached the end of their useful lives. . This project rehabilitates existing runway 18/36 lighting to extend its useful life. This project rehabilitates existing taxiway a lighting to extend its useful life. This project rehabilitates existing taxiway n lighting to extend its useful life. This grant funds phase 1, which consists of design. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with south bend, indiana.