Warren vies for state funds

WARREN -- The city wants a piece of the state capital budget.
And to increase its chances of receiving money in the next round of funding, Mayor Hank Angelo formed a committee to develop proposals.
Two years ago, the city received $2 million from the state capital budget for the Riverwalk and Robins Theater projects.
Bids were opened Thursday for construction of the first phase of the Riverwalk project, which includes an outdoor amphitheater.
Angelo recently asked Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp. to oversee a committee he appointed from the private and public sector, which will meet with Gov. Bob Taft and other state officials to speak on behalf of the city.
Officials said there was some concern that private interests would be lobbying the state for capital funds for the projects, which could cause confusion about the city's intent.
Councilman Brendan Keating, D-5th, will serve on the committee, and Angelo said he'll ask state Sen. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-32nd, and state Rep. Daniel Sferra of Warren, D-66th, to serve as advisers.
The state has said funding could be tight next year due to concerns over the health of the economy and uncertainty about education funding.