Area Awaits Word on State Funds for Projects

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber official said he is pleased with the anticipated outcome of legislation that will provide millions in funding for projects throughout the region.

The Ohio Senate version of One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, outlined in Senate Bill 288, includes funding for local projects in addition to the $350 million identified by the Ohio House of Representatives in February. The $700 million fund is separate from the state capital budget.

The legislation, which is being considered by the Senate Finance Committee, identifies $8.4 million for projects in Mahoning County, $7.7 million for projects in Trumbull County and $6.9 million for projects in Columbiana County, according to Lyle Huffman, vice president, government affairs, for the Regional Chamber.

The chamber has been working with the local state delegation in Columbus for the past 18 months, he said.  

The Senate Finance Committee is conducting hearings on the legislation addressing the community investment funding Tuesday and Wednesday, the office of Senate President Matt Huffman of Lima, R-12th, said in a news release Tuesday.

“Rumor has it they’re going to finalize the capital budget today or tomorrow on top of the community investment fund bill,” Huffman said en route to Columbus on Tuesday for the hearings. 

Funds in the Senate bill include $1.5 million to support the West Warren Industrial Park project, $500,000 for Eastwood Field, $238,000 for Youngstown Playhouse roof repairs, $750,000 for the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s expansion, $2.5 million for Utica Shale Academy improvements and $650,000 for the Mahoning County Veterans Services Center.  

Pictured at top: A rendering by MS Consultants shows how the first building in West Warren Industrial Park will look.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.