YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The city’s Board of Control approved entering into an agreement Thursday with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to provide up to $3.5 million toward the removal of three low-head dams. 

The request for approval to enter into a Water Resource Restoration Sponsorship Agreement with the Ohio EPA to implement and sponsor the Mahoning River Low Head Dam Removal project was among three items related to the dam removals approved by Youngstown City Council on Wednesday.

Council members also approved authorizing the Board of Control to advertise for proposals and to enter into “all necessary agreement” for the project, which is to cost no more than $6,125,000. Council also granted approval to the board to negotiate and acquire a fee title to parcels and enter into necessary agreements for temporary access and permanent easements, as well as to acquire parcels or rights of entry related to the project.   

Communities along the Mahoning River have been removing their low-head dams in recent years to promote recreational and economic development opportunities. Of the nine dams along the waterway, dams in Lowellville, Struthers, Leavittsburg and Summit Street in Warren already have been removed. 

The removals of the Youngstown dams – which are at Center, Marshall and Crescent streets – should take up to 2½ years, according to Justin Mondok, director of planning and development with Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. The regional planning agency is working with the river corridor communities on the dam removals and riverfront redevelopment.  

In addition to the Youngstown dams, plans are being made to remove the dams at Main Street in Warren and in Girard.   

Removal of the Youngstown dams will open the city’s options for riverfront development, said DeMaine Kitchen, Youngstown director of community planning and economic development. He pointed to examples such as in Lowellville, where the dam removal spurred redevelopment. 

“It really just opens up opportunities for recreation and entertainment along the river,” he remarked. 

Also during the meeting, the board approved the purchase of several parcels by Potential Development School for Autism for $3,120. The property is located just west of Potential Development’s elementary and middle school building, 2400 Market St., on the same block.

Paul Garchar Jr., CEO of Potential Development, said the school is acquiring property for potential expansion.