Port Authority Secures $268K Grant for Regional Airport Study
VIENNA, Ohio – The Western Reserve Port Authority will receive a $268,211 federal grant to develop a study of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport’s potential to drive economic growth in the region.
The announcement was made through U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s office Thursday. Ryan, who is also running as the Democratic Party’s nominee for U.S. Senate in 2022, represents the 13th District.
“As we look to build out our economy and dominate the industries of the future here in Northeast Ohio — from electric vehicles, batteries, to natural gas — the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport can play a major role as an economic driver,” Ryan said. “I am proud of the work the Western Reserve Port Authority has done at the airport, and I will keep fighting to bring federal investments back to our region.”
The grant was made available through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Agency.
“We are grateful to Congressman Ryan for supporting the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, and to the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Y. Castillo,” said Anthony Trevena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority. “The Regional Assets Plan is a key foundational step towards planning YNG’s continued role as an economic driver in the Mahoning Valley.”
Trevena said the study would focus on training the next generation of the aeronautics industry’s workforce and address projected industry shortfalls.
“This data-driven approach will also target new market sectors and strategic partners while allowing the Valley to remain competitive in a global market,” Trevena said. “YNG is poised extremely well to benefit from the expansion of the aeronautics industry.”
The study will identify market trends in aviation, aeronautics, and defense-related aerospace sectors, Ryan’s office said. These initiatives also support workforce development, provide sustainable income in these industries, and stabilize the regional economy, according to the congressman’s office.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
