Tuesday, September 13, 2005
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The largest single federal contribution made to Youngstown State University will help expand a materials engineering program and improve campus road and pedestrian safety.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, visited the campus Monday, handing Dr. David Sweet, YSU president, a mock check for $4.1 million.
Ryan said the money comes from the 2005 federal Transportation Efficiency Act of the 21st Century.
What it's for
YSU will get $2 million to further develop the materials engineering program in the Rayen College of Engineering and Technology and $2.1 million for pedestrian and road safety improvements, Ryan said.
The road money will come in a lump sum but the materials engineering support will arrive in $500,000 increments over four years, he said.
Sweet said the allocation is the highest among Ohio colleges and universities from the transportation bill and the largest federal earmark YSU has received.
The safety funds will be used for pedestrian and traffic improvements along Wick, Fifth and Rayen avenues, according to Hunter Morrison, director of the university's Center for Urban and Regional Studies.
Wick, Fifth and Rayen at one time defined the edges of the campus but now run through it, because of campus expansions. They need to be redesigned to improve safety and appearance, Morrison said.
Dr. Cynthia Hirtzel, dean of YSU's College of Engineering and Technology, said the $2 million for the materials engineering program will help expand the breadth, depth and scope of that program, including research.
Ryan's goals
Ryan said the allocation of federal money to YSU helps fulfill two goals he set when he first ran for office.
The first is to focus money on research and development that can lead to the creation of high-tech and high-wage jobs. The materials engineering program will do that, he predicted, adding that the university is "the key to turning around our community."
It's a prudent investment, he said, explaining that more jobs mean more taxes, which lessens the tax burden on those now carrying the load.
The second goal is to improve the quality of life, and making safety improvements on campus does that, he said.