Mayor seeks funds to develop industrial park

By D.A.WILKINSON

SALEM — The paperwork on the annexation of 99 acres to the city isn’t complete, but Mayor Jerry Wolford already is asking for funds to develop it.

The mayor wants to turn the land into an industrial park.

Wolford said Monday that he has asked U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, and U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairesville, D-6th, for their help locating $2.3 million in federal funds for the project.

The Columbiana County commissioners last week approved the annexation into the city from Perry Township in Columbiana County and Green Township in Mahoning County. The property is on the west side of U.S. Route 62 north of the city.

The annexation was approved under a state law that speeds annexations because no public hearings are required.

Wolford said the paperwork for the annexation won’t be complete until May 4. But he asked for money early because of grant-application deadlines that might be involved.

The city doesn’t have concrete figures for the project’s cost, and Wolford said he is trying to get grant money wherever he can.

The city’s general fund, which finances most of the city’s operations, is extremely tight because of the poor economy.

City Auditor James Armeni said that the city has no money that could be used to help finance the project.

But Wolford is still optimistic, saying, “I don’t foresee any roadblocks” to the project.

The development money, the mayor said, would be used to install waterlines and sewer lines, roads and lights.

Under the city’s plan, there would be access to the proposed site from both U.S. Route 62 and state Route 45.

The city’s older industrial parks are filled and have no place to expand to the north, according to the mayor.

wilkinson@vindy.com