Work, accomplishments at regional airport spotlighted

VIENNA -- The Mahoning Valley's long-term commitment to the aerospace and defense sector, coupled with a pathway to its past, was showcased Friday, courtesy of the Western Reserve Port Authority.

Anthony Trevena, the port's executive director, outlined the growth at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport during the agency's meeting inside one of the airport's hangars.

"This is a massive celebration," he said. "You're going to celebrate over $42 million in investments coming from many sources."

A $1.71 million grant through JobsOhio, presented by Lake to River Economic Development, was the highlight of the board meeting. A ribbon cutting and groundbreaking to mark construction of the YNG Aviation Training Center was followed by a ceremony opening the Airport Heritage Trail.

The last couple of years have witnessed construction equipment and crews compete with aircraft for valuable airport space. Among the projects undertaken are taxiway resurfacing, apron reconstruction, fuel farm relocation and runway rehabilitation. Adding the education center, airfield lighting and the heritage trail accounts for more than $42 million in improvements taking place.

Dani Robbins, Lake to River CEO, attended the board meeting to deliver funds for airfield lighting upgrades.

According to Lake to River, the project pairs centerline lighting installation with the resurfacing of runway 14/32, enabling safe operations at night and in low visibility to standards required by modern aircraft. The upgrade removes the weather and visibility restrictions that have limited commercial and private flights at YNG and supports military training operations at the adjacent Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

"The airport and air base are strategic economic development assets for all four counties, and this investment strengthens job stability, military readiness and long-term growth across our region," Robbins said.

The $5.5 million aviation training center, built in conjunction with Youngstown State University, will provide learning opportunities, workforce development and pathways to aviation and aerospace careers.

"I don't want to fly in an airplane with a pilot that hasn't gotten the education that they need to do the job that they're required to do, or any of the other professionals in the aviation community," said Bill Johnson, YSU president and former U.S. congressman.

"What is YSU's role in it? We're going to be the ones that do the academics. We're the ones that are going to do the teaching and the conferring of the degrees. And you can better believe we're going to have high standards and high expectations."

State Rep. Nick Santucci, R-Niles, echoed Johnson's comment on workforce development.

"And facilities like this help the Lake to River region plant our flag in this industry, and we want that. We want folks coming here, getting their credentials and their skill sets, and filling the necessary jobs that are available."

He also noted, as did other speakers throughout the day, that a combined effort among local, county, state and federal officials allows the Valley to better itself.

He praised the efforts of the Lake to River Caucus that includes himself and state Reps. Tex Fischer, R-Canfield, Sarah Fowler Arthur, R-Ashtabula, David Thomas, R-Jefferson, Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown, and Monica Robb-Blasdel, R-Columbiana.

"The credit goes to all of them because we recognize the importance of a facility like this," the Niles Republican said. "It was a no-brainer for all of us to advocate for it."

The final stop for the port authority audience was to dedicate the Air Heritage Trail, located at the corner of state Route 193 and King Graves Road.

The $400,000 project featured an outline of a C-130H with the millings of the airport taxiway as the path's foundation and wildflowers filling in the design. The one-mile path allows walkers to learn the Valley's connection to military and civil aviation.

"We're here to honor those that came before us with regard to aviation," Trevena said. "We think, oh, you got an airport. There's a history here, folks.

"So as we prepare for future aviation leaders, we're also here to recognize the importance of remembering those who paved the way."