Staff photo / R. Michael Semple From left, Michael Keys, director of Warren’s Community Development Department; Warren Mayor Doug Franklin, Howland Trustees Frank Dillon and James LaPolla Jr., and Howland Township Administrator James Pantalone, stand in front of the property where Kimberly-Clark plans to build a manufacturing facility. The site spans roughly 825 acres, with 75% in Howland Township, 24% in Warren Township and the remainder in the city of Warren. All three communities have formed a Joint Economic Development District for the project.

A proposed Joint Economic Development District involving Warren and Howland and Warren townships is advancing to facilitate construction of a major Kimberly-Clark manufacturing facility in Trumbull County — a project expected to create hundreds of jobs and drive significant economic growth in the region.

Warren City Council passed legislation Wednesday greenlighting a JEDD contract among the three communities. The measure authorizes Mayor Doug Franklin and the city’s service director, Eddie Colbert, to execute the agreement, in what Franklin called a “significant step” in the process.

Franklin explained at a caucus meeting before council’s regular meeting that the JEDD is a collaborative effort years in the making and establishes a framework for the three jurisdictions to share revenue from the planned facility on Pine Avenue SE.

The site spans roughly 825 acres, with 75% in Howland Township, 24% in Warren Township and the remainder in the city of Warren.

Under the agreement, Howland will oversee zoning, police and fire services, while the city of Warren will handle garbage disposal and income tax collection. The revenue split — 40% to Warren, 40% to Howland and 20% to Warren Township — reflects the differing service responsibilities, with Warren Township benefiting despite limited direct obligations.

The site’s history as a steel production hub from 1912 to 2012 adds context to its transformation. After RG Steel’s bankruptcy, BDM Warren Steel Holdings LLC acquired the property and undertook extensive remediation.

In 2021, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued a covenant not to sue under its Voluntary Action Program, certifying the site as suitable for commercial or industrial use. The cleanup involved excavating and consolidating contaminated soil, with ongoing groundwater monitoring to protect the Mahoning River’s water quality.

The covenant, embedded in the property deed, shields current and future owners from state environmental liabilities as long as the land is used per its terms, though groundwater extraction is prohibited. This EPA clearance has made the site one of Ohio’s largest shovel-ready locations, which was a key factor in attracting Kimberly-Clark.

Franklin described the project as a game changer for Trumbull County, born from three years of quiet negotiations with Kimberly-Clark, the Texas-based maker of household brands like Kleenex and Huggies.

“This isn’t just about jobs. It’s about putting our region on the map as a place where big companies want to invest,” Franklin said at a recent council meeting.

The facility’s first phase is expected to create about 500 direct jobs, with the Economic Policy Institute projecting an additional 7.2 indirect jobs per direct hire through supply chains, local businesses and related industries.

Nicholas Coggins of the Trumbull County Planning Commission talked about the JEDD’s role in balancing growth with local protections at a special meeting regarding the project hosted by Warren Township.

“This agreement ensures township lands stay safe from annexation while bringing in new revenue streams,” Coggins said.

He highlighted Kimberly-Clark’s community-focused reputation, including partnerships with organizations like United Way in every region in which it operates, and its competitive salaries, which could draw skilled workers to Trumbull County.

Warren Township Trustee Chair Ed Anthony called the project a historic opportunity, comparing it to the economic surge from General Motors’ Lordstown plant decades ago.

“This is a big deal for our community — a global company choosing us over places like North Carolina,” Anthony said.

He noted that the first phase, with 26.8% of the site in Warren Township, will bring immediate revenue, and future expansions could shift even more land into the township, amplifying local benefits.

Michael McGriffin of Lake to River Economic Development praised the spirit of cooperation among the jurisdictions.

“This project shows what’s possible when we work together instead of competing,” he said. “It’s a model for how regions can attract major investments with state and local partnerships.”

McGriffin added that Lake to River’s early involvement helped secure state support, which channeled millions in investment to the area.

Community voices have been part of the conversation. Leavittsburg resident and Warren Township trustee candidate Matthew Griggs expressed enthusiasm, saying, “This project means Warren Township gets a fair piece of the pie without being squeezed out by bigger players.”

However, Annette McCoy, representing the NAACP, raised questions about the site’s environmental past.

A slight delay in finalizing the JEDD’s District Community Agreement occurred at a recent Warren Township meeting because of minor language adjustments. Anthony clarified that these revisions, expected within two to four weeks, aim to ensure all parties are aligned, with final approval targeted for mid-July.

Howland Township Administrator James Pantalone said it’s possible that the facility could be operational within a year.