With federal OK, Eastgate expects an influx of $9.3M

YOUNGSTOWN — Officials at Eastgate Regional Council of Governments are preparing for a second round of federal stimulus dollars should the legislation pass the U.S. Congress.

If the legislation for the program, dubbed the Jobs for Main Street Act, passes, Eastgate expects to receive about $9.3 million for highway improvements and $4 million for transit improvements, said John Getchey, agency executive director.

Eastgate administers transportation projects for Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Though the first round of federal stimulus money, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided about $9.3 million for transportation projects that had to begin within a year, this round would be under an even shorter time frame.

“Half of that $9 million, or about $4.5 million, would have to be under contract in 90 days,” Getchey said at the annual meeting today of the agency’s general-policy board.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com