Utica Shale Academy Finds Use for Donated Equipment
SALINEVILLE, Ohio – Some donated equipment from the now closed coal-fired W.H. Sammis Power Plant in Stratton will be put to use at the Utica Shale Academy.
Utica Shale Academy Superintendent Bill Watson and Bryan Donnelli, the project manager of B&B Wrecking and Excavating of Cleveland, which has been tasked with dismantling the Energy Harbor-owned plant that closed in July, determined $132,400 worth of items could be used by the school.
The items include a transmitter calibration unit, eight sets of lockers, jib cranes, six toolboxes, ceiling mounts for training monitors, a training station, electrical training modules, training tables, heavy equipment hydraulic testing equipment, heavy equipment tools, a cabinet, welder generators for heavy equipment course, an internal pump trainer and a variety of valves, gauges, parts and leads for industrial maintenance training.
The donation also included two conference tables, small circular tables, 10 8-foot tables, fire extinguishers in wall cabinets, executive desks and chairs.
Watson said he learned about the items through a parent, and that the items were not being included in the pending auction for liquidation of the plant. He wrote to B&B officials that donating the items could support students specializing in the trades, such as welding, heavy equipment, industrial maintenance and robotics.
“Considering the recent closure of the W.H. Sammis Power Plant, we find ourselves presented with a unique opportunity to turn a moment of transition into a catalyst for positive change,” Watson wrote in the proposal for the donation. “Such a donation would not only enhance the practical learning experience of our students, but also symbolize a meaningful investment in the future workforce of our community.”
The items were picked up by instructors and school administrators on a recent professional development day and will be used to open the new programming at the Williams Collaboration Center, in administrative offices, classrooms and for potential other offerings through Youngstown State University.
Utica Shale Academy currently serves about 190 students, many at-risk, with plans in the works to expand enrollment up to 350 students. Additionally, the school is planning to provide potential recovery-to-work programs for adults to help drug addicts and returning citizens.
Pictured at top: Images via Facebook | Utica Shale Academy.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
