South Bend International Airport Seeks To Farm Airfield
SOUTH BEND — South Bend International Airport recently issued a request for proposals for qualified individuals to farm 317 acres of land under airport control. Most of this property is within the airfield itself.
This is the second year the airport has sought to farm its property but the first year it’s been publicized.
“We did an RFP (request for proposal) last year but there wasn’t very good response,” airport property manager Kerrianne Linn said. “And honestly, we didn’t know how to get in touch with farmers.”
Linn noted the airport currently leases land outside of the airfield, on Pine Road and off of Nimtz Parkway, to two farmers.
“We lease out land so we don’t have to mow it, basically,” Linn said, and to assist with wildlife management.
Under the current proposal, farming activities would be restricted on certain parcels so as to limit the height of crops and discourage wildlife, which might interfere with air traffic.
Farmers also would have to agree not to erect any buildings or raise any animals on the property, Linn said, and pass a background check for security purposes.
The proposal does not include a suggested rent price.
“Right now we’d take almost anything because we wouldn’t have to mow it,” Linn said.
Proposals are due Oct. 30 and should be returned to the Executive Director’s Office, 4477 Progress Drive, South Bend, IN 46628.
Bids will be awarded on Nov. 6.
More information is available online at www.flysbn.com/sbn/business.
Source: South Bend Tribune