WRPA Awarded $1.4M for Snow Removal Equipment at Airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $1.4 million to the Western Reserve Port Authority to buy snow removal equipment for Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

The funds will also be used to build a 4,122-square-foot building at the airport to house the equipment – a multitasking broom and blower. 

“The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport has served the Mahoning Valley in so many ways, and I am happy to announce this grant that will provide the airport with the building and equipment necessary for safe operation regardless of the weather,” U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan in a statement announcing the funds. “As home to the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, I will always work hard to ensure that the airport and the men and women who work and serve there have the tools necessary to do their jobs efficiently and safely.”

The money is part of a grant program funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. 

“I want to thank the Federal Aviation Administration for providing us this money to upgrade the equipment we use to clear our runways and adequately house our equipment,” said John Moliterno, executive director of the port authority “We will now have the necessary funding to adequately house our equipment and to do a site study to ensure that our runway approaches are obstacle free for the safety of those who fly in and out of the airport.” 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.