Youngstown firm gets funds to help ODOT

COLUMBUS -- A Youngstown firm is getting $500,000 from the state to help the Ohio Department of Transportation with inspections.
Without comment, the State Controlling Board approved Monday the unbid contract with Thomas Fok & amp; Associates of Youngstown.
According to state documents, ODOT uses consultant inspectors to supplement in-house staff during periods of high construction activity. The state funds will provide additional inspectors to help ODOT administer several major construction contracts, state documents say.
State officials say Thomas Fok & amp; Associates was selected from six firms through an "Enhanced Letter of Interest" process instead of through competitive bidding.
In other business, the state controlling board approved the release of $295,054 to Kent State University Trumbull Campus for basic renovations, and $20,000 to YSD Industries in Austintown to offset costs of manufacturing equipment.
On Monday, the controlling board also approved a $99,500 grant that will be used by the Ohio Adjutant General's office to buy five acres at the southeast corner of Silica and Victoria Road.
The state will use the land to expand military vehicle parking for the Ohio Army National Guard Armory on Victoria Road.