Airport gets $962K fed grant to improve safety

Airport gets $962K fed grant to improve safety

VIENNA — The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a $962,885 grant for the Western Reserve Port Authority to improve safety at its Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, announced the grant today.

The money will go toward safety equipment, airfield guidance signs and fencing improvements. These funds are necessary to enhance airport safety.

“I pledge to continue working for the airport’s needed resources but also look forward to working with the port authority on broader economic development projects throughout the Mahoning Valley,” Ryan said in a press release.

“This grant is extremely important because the FAA won’t allow us to move ahead with the airport’s master plan until we complete the fence project. This puts us two years ahead of schedule,” said John Masternick Jr., authority chairman.

Federal funds are being provided for the fourth construction phase to raise the height of the wildlife perimeter fence from eight to 10 feet.

In addition, funds have been made available for the installation of runway guidance signs at the airport.