CANFIELD, Ohio – In this excerpt from The Business Journal Roundtable Series featuring Mahoning River revitalization, Justin Mondock of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments emphasized that the Mahoning River Corridor Revitalization Strategy is driven by local priorities. The strategy, developed with technical support from MS Consultants, reflects input and goals set by each individual community along the river. Mondock noted that Eastgate’s role is to support, not direct, the redevelopment process.
Regarding funding, Mondock said dam removal projects to date have been financed through state funds, with minimal impact from recent federal budget uncertainties. A federal partnership is currently in place for the Girard Dam feasibility study, using resources from the bipartisan infrastructure law.
He added that water use from the Mahoning River continues at several industrial sites, including the former McDonald Steel property and the Warren Main Street Dam, where coordination with companies such as Kimberly-Clark and Cleveland-Cliffs has ensured continued access to water following dam modifications.
Watch the full discussion HERE.