ODOT approves project for V&M Star expansion

The Ohio Department of Transportation has approved cost reductions by the city for a major improvement project needed for V&M Star’s $650 million expansion, a city official said today.

And approval for the railroad-relocation project, using more than $13 million in federal stimulus package funds, by the Federal Highway Administration is expected sometime next week, said Charles Shasho, the city’s deputy director of public works.

The contract is expected to be awarded the end of next month with construction starting at the end of November, Shasho said. The project will take up to 300 days to complete.

The V&M Star $650 million expansion project is to be done in late 2011.

Also, the Youngstown Board of Control voted today to hire Parella Punnunzio for $3,549,126.13 to install water and sewer lines, and to reconstruct and expand Roger Lindgren Way, the main road to the V&M expansion facility.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com