State OKs funding for YSU, city projects

COLUMBUS -- Youngstown State University and the city of Youngstown have both received more than $500,000 in state money for separate projects.
On Monday, the State Controlling Board approved the release of $550,000 to YSU for the planned construction of a gateway entrance for the $12 million, privately financed Recreation and Wellness project. Construction of the recreation center began last month.
The university also received $32,900 to buy two parcels of real estate near campus to help expand student parking and provide street access to new student housing.
Youngstown received $500,000 to help defray bridge construction costs at the city's Ohio Works Industrial Park. The site, previously occupied by USX Steel, is the home of several manufacturing operations.
According to the state, the bridge construction at the north end of the industrial park will provide access to state Route 711 and Interstate 680. City officials hope the bridge construction will make the industrial park marketable to prospective tenants.
Made up of six legislators and a representative of the governor's office, the board has the final say over some larger state spending requests.