Public hearing set for February on proposed plant expansion

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — A public meeting is set for next month on a potential steel plant expansion that would bring nearly 300 new jobs to Youngstown and Girard.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will accept comments on a draft air permit for V&M Star Steel’s proposed $639 million expansion.

The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m Feb. 12 at Youngstown City Hall, 26 S. Phelps St. Comments will be accepted through Feb. 17 on the draft permit, which sets limits on emissions.

The Ohio EPA will make a final decision on the issue after reviewing public input. A copy of the permit is available online at www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/permits_issued/235964.pdf.

V&M Star manufactures steel tubes for the oil and gas industries. It is considering an expansion at a site on the border of Youngstown and Girard. The project would nearly double the company’s steel production and lead to the creation of 294 jobs and the retention of 465 jobs.

The company has not committed to the project and has continued to work with the state on the required permits and economic incentives.

In December, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority OK’d a tax credit valued at about $2.6 million, according to documents. The cities of Youngstown and Girard also have committed local support through land acquisition, tax increment financing and other assistance valued at about $9 million, according to documents.