U.S. Rep. Ryan gets support for port authority initiative

Even if it takes some time for U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s regional economic development initiative to bear fruit, the coming together of Mahoning and Trumbull county governments and the cities of Youngstown, Warren and Niles is cause for celebration. After all, regional cooperation in the Mahoning Valley remains as elusive as ever.

To be sure, there have been attempts made at tearing down the barriers that divide the counties and the communities, but on issues of great economic importance, such as the 911 emergency telephone system, it has been all talk.

Thus, when Ryan of Niles, D-17th, announced in February that he was pursuing an idea whereby the two counties and the three cities would participate financially in the creation of an economic development staff under the umbrella of the Western Reserve Port Authority, not many residents believed he would succeed. After all, Ryan’s predecessor, James A. Traficant Jr., had pursued a similar plan and went so far as to place on the ballots in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties a tax dedicated to regional economic development. Voters said no, despite Traficant’s popularity.

Ryan, who is completing his third term in office, was undaunted. He worked behind the scenes with government, business and community leaders drumming up support for this initiative. That effort appears to have paid off in one major aspect: The two counties have each pledged $100,000, while the cities of Youngstown, Warren and Niles are in for $50,000 each. In addition, the Western Reserve Building Trades has committed $25,000. The congressman would like their participation to be for at least three years.

The $375,000 annual commitment will be used to hire an economic development specialist with a solid record of accomplish, and support staff.

No hacks need apply

Ryan, aware of the negative opinion taxpayers have of all things government, has made it clear that the specialist and the staff will not be “political hacks.”

We will hold him to his word. There should be a nationwide search, as he has suggested, and applicants must provide proof of solid accomplishments.

What the Valley does not need is someone who would be learning on the job.

Indeed, Ryan has been working closely with officials of the port authorities in Summit and Cuyahoga counties and so has a good idea of what it takes to be successful.

While the economic development initiative will be under the auspices of the Western Reserve Port Authority, it will be separate from the staff that is now involved with the operation of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

In addition to overseeing the airport and working with the federal government on issues relating to the adjacent Air Reserve Base, the port authority also has control of 1,400 acres available for development.

Under state law, port authorities have the power to engage in economic development activities, including public financing, acquiring and constructing buildings and administering state and federal grants and loans.

The Summit County Port Authority was the conduit in the expansion of Exal Corp. of Youngstown. The authority provided $3 million through the sale of fixed rate bonds and helped secure $5 million through the sale of state bonds. In addition, the authority helped Exal get a $2 million state loan. The company borrowed $30 million and put up $225,000 in equity. The $44 million made possible a 170,000 square foot expansion.

Congressman Ryan is of opinion that the Western Reserve Port Authority can play a similar role with the right individual leading a qualified, experienced economic development staff.

The commissioners in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, along with the mayors and city councils of Youngstown, Warren and Niles are to be commended for recognizing the regional benefits to be derived from Ryan’s proposal.