VALLEY ECONOMY Senator: Try D.C. to fund projects

The Valley's major concern is growing the local economy, the senator said.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown's question to business, political and community leaders was simple: What can he do on the federal level to help the Mahoning Valley's economy?
The responses from the 20 leaders was equally simple: As much as you possibly can.
Brown, an Avon Democrat, held what he called an economic development round-table discussion Monday at the Youngstown Business Incubator. It was the sixth and final discussion Brown's held with leaders throughout the state during the past week.
Among the issues discussed Monday were federal funding for the Youngstown Business Incubator, brownfield redevelopment, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport in Vienna, Youngstown State University, and for small businesses.
"The major concern is the economy and keeping people in the state and in the Valley," Brown said after the meeting in which he did much more listening than talking. "The job of a U.S. senator in this state is to help economic development in Ohio. There are federal programs that can fund the priorities of the Valley."
Youngstown has sought federal funding for its business parks, but there are either too many restrictions attached to the funding or the city isn't eligible to obtain money, said city Finance Director David Bozanich. Because of that, the city has turned to the state and has provided its own money to attract industry, he said.
Bozanich told Brown that the senator could provide invaluable assistance to the city and the Valley by letting officials here know about federal funding opportunities for economic development projects.
"If you can tell us where you can exert influence in certain areas such as brownfield development, let us know and we'll fashion our applications for those programs," Bozanich said.
With the recent power switch in Congress that leaves Democrats controlling the U.S. House and Senate, Brown said urban areas such as Youngstown will benefit. Overall, Democrats represent urban areas while Republicans represent suburban and rural communities, he said.
"Determine what you need and we'll try to help you on the federal level," Brown said.
skolnick@vindy.com