MAHONING VALLEY State reconsiders link to Hubbard

Youngstown's mayor supports the project, but Hubbard's mayor is against it.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Township administrator Patrick J. Ungaro says the head of the state's transportation agency will reconsider sponsorship of the Hubbard Arterial Expressway.
The Ohio Department of Transportation had announced it was relinquishing sponsorship Aug. 4 because construction costs are too high and the agency is concentrating its efforts on congestion and safety issues.
The estimated construction cost of the four-lane highway has increased from $45.3 million to $74 million. It would connect Interstate 680 on Youngstown's East Side with Interstate 80 in Hubbard Township.
Ungaro went to Columbus on Thursday to discuss the arterial, known locally as the Hubbard Expressway, with ODOT Director Gordon Proctor.
He also met with the state's Transportation Review Advisory Council, or TRAC, of which he is a member.
Ungaro said he didn't meet with Proctor, who was in Washington, D.C. During two phone conversations with him, however, Proctor said he would "absolutely reconsider sponsorship," Ungaro said.
"We'll see what happens from here," Ungaro said, noting that no time frame was established for an answer.
Environmental study
Ungaro said he's confident after meeting with TRAC the money already allocated by the council for an environmental impact study will remain in place.
TRAC had approved some $3 million for the arterial, with $400,000 remaining for the study that will determine if the highway can be constructed.
Ungaro said he wants the study done so the project doesn't just die.
Ungaro has asked for support from Youngstown and Hubbard in keeping the project alive and to present a united front to ODOT.
Youngstown Mayor George McKelvey has thrown his support to the project that has been discussed since 1956.
Hubbard City Council canceled its Monday meeting because of severe weather, but Mayor George Praznik is against the project.
Praznik has suggested that if the highway is built, it should be a toll road.
yovich@vindy.com