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Strickland: Regional cooperation sparked $20M grant for V&M plan
Failing to buy the railroad land could have doomed the project, the mayor says.
YOUNGSTOWN — Regional cooperation among Mahoning Valley leaders is largely responsible for the state awarding $20 million in federal stimulus funds for a potential expansion of V&M Star Steel, Gov. Ted Strickland said.
“We’re going to be able to do more when we work together than we could ever possibly do as individuals,” Strickland said Friday at a press conference at the DeYor Performing Arts Center to discuss the funding.
“Regional cooperation is hugely important, and we believe this project will be critical for the entire region,” he said.
V&M Star is considering a nearly $1 billion expansion project on land in Youngstown and Girard near the company’s business on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
The failure to buy about 100 acres owned by Norfolk Southern railroad near the V&M site could have doomed the project, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams said.
Most of the money is needed to move the rail line and to level the property, Williams said.
Because of the economic downturn, V&M’s decision on expanding is delayed until about the end of the year.
But that didn’t stop the celebrating and back-slapping among the numerous politicians who joined Strickland for his local appearance.
Strickland and other state officials announced the $20 million project Thursday in Columbus along with 148 others transportation-related statewide that are receiving a combined $774 million in federal stimulus package money.
“It’s a perfect example of what we do when we collaborate,” Williams said of the $20 million grant. “When we come together as a Valley we have great potential. This is a lesson that must be replicated time and time again.”
As state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd, put it: “It’s showing the old thought that, ‘Hey, the Mahoning Valley isn’t worth investing in’ is gone.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office is having a seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., to provide information about the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package.
The senator’s staff as well as officials from the federal Economic Development Administration, General Services Administration, and Department of Agriculture will be on hand to discuss funding opportunities and how to apply for the money.
Those from government entities as well as nonprofits, hospitals, research and academic institutions, and small businesses are invited to attend the free event.
skolnick@vindy.com