YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – More than $42 million in investments provided the Western Reserve Port Authority with a lot to celebrate Sept. 18. It represents improvements at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport and education and training to fill a workforce void.
Following the board’s regularly scheduled board meeting, community leaders joined WRPA board and staff for a groundbreaking for the new $7.4 million YNG Aviation Education Center at the airport, which the port authority operates. The new building will offer expanded areas for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics’ programs and the flight school WRPA launched with Youngstown State University to meet industry needs for pilots and aviation technicians.
Airport improvements include the $15.2 million rehabilitation of one runway, the $9.3 million rehab of Taxiway Hotel and $7.2 million for another runway. JobsOhio representatives provided an additional $1.71 million for runway resurfacing, drainage improvements and infield lighting upgrades.
Board members accepted a $1.67 million Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant for design and construction of a community hangar at the Aviation Education Center and $942,792 from the FAA for design and construction of Taxilane C.
The celebration included the opening of the Air Heritage Trail designed to celebrate the Mahoning Valley’s aviation heritage. The trail includes benches that will be sponsored to pay tribute to individuals and organizations.
A combination of federal, state and local funds made these projects possible.
“What we see happening at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport shows what is possible when infrastructure, education, service and community come together to create opportunities that will benefit regions like ours for generations to come,” Anthony Trevena, WRPA executive director, said.
The fate of regularly scheduled aviation service at the airport remains uncertain, but the port authority should be commended for making the upgrades to position it for success, contribute to the aviation workforce and recognize local aviation history.
