Ryan has a long local wish list for federal dollars

YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s proposed federal earmarks for dozens of programs and projects include hybrid buses, a firing range and high-tech initiatives.

The 454 pages of requests can be viewed at timryan.house.gov/ — the congressman’s Web site.

New U.S. House rules required members to provide detailed information about their earmark requests to the House Appropriations Committee, of which Ryan of Niles, D-17th, is a member.

While Ryan is seeking a lot of money for projects from the federal 2010 budget, he’ll only receive a small percentage based on past requests.

Ryan’s big-ticket requests include:

• $22 million for an upgrade to Niles wastewater treatment facility.

• $21.4 million for a water project in Warren, Champion and Southington townships.

• $16 million for further upgrades to Girard’s lower dam.

• $18.4 million for the Youngstown Air Reserve Station with half going to a firing range at the Vienna facility and the other half to build a three-story lodging facility there.

Read more in Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com