La Porte Municipal Airport named Indiana’s best; council approves 2026 airport budget

The La Porte Municipal Airport was named Indiana’s best airport by the state aviation association, airport board members told the council on Oct. 20, and the City Council approved the airport’s 2026 appropriations and tax rates the same evening.

Ed Volk, president of the airport board, said the award — presented at the state aviation association’s annual meeting — recognizes the airport’s operations and the work of board members and staff. “The La Porte Municipal Airport was named that award, and we're just thrilled, thrilled,” Volk said.

Volk recognized long-serving board members and staff by name, including Rich Schmidt, Fran Milo and Dale Fisher, and praised airport director Eric Bobczyk and operations manager Rachel Bolahanes for day-to-day work. Council President Franke and others thanked the airport team and asked to pose for a photograph with the board and staff.

Council action: The council held a second and final reading and approved the ordinance for appropriations and tax rates for the 2026 airport budget. Council members stated the budget had been discussed at the previous meeting and public hearing and voted in favor; the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: Council and airport-board comments framed the award as recognition of sustained local investment and operational capacity. Council members said keeping the airport active supports local economic activity, noting that airport operations bring people to local hotels and restaurants.

Background and next steps: Airport board members and city staff said the award reflects ongoing cooperation with city administration; the adopted budget will guide airport operations and capital work for 2026. The council also approved other related 2026 appropriations and tax-rate ordinances for redevelopment and city budgets during the Oct. 20 meeting.