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

By Denise Dick

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 Monday of the agency’s general-policy board.

All the other criteria for the stimulus money would remain in effect, said Kathleen Rodi, transportation director.

Mike Rankin, assistant secretary of state, who lived in Boardman from 1989 to 1993, was the meeting’s featured speaker.

“I try to get back to the Valley at least a couple of times a year,” Rankin said, adding that he’s impressed with the progress being made.

Rankin, formerly the registrar for the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, told meeting attendees about the statistical information available on the secretary of state’s Web site.

The site includes information available by county about the number of foreclosures and unemployment numbers.

“It’s a great planning tool for entrepreneurs, local government planners and nonprofit agencies,” Rankin said.

The Eastgate board also elected Jack Haney, Newton Falls city manager, as its chairman; Peggy Carlo, Ashtabula County commissioner, as first vice chairwoman; and Struthers Mayor Terry Stocker as second vice chairman.