Good days at the airport

Good days at the airport

It is not a secret anymore. The Youngstown-Warren area is again poised to lead job growth in Ohio, much like it did at the turn of the 20th century with the steel industry. One just needs to read recent news events in the paper and in magazines about the oil and natural gas boom growing in the region.

In a Sept. 26 Forbes magazine article, “Buckeye Oil Billions will Unleash an Ohio Manufacturing Tech Boom,” the opening line says: “A prediction. The Ohio Valley is on track to become a hotbed of innovation.” The article talks about the Youngstown region and the economic impact of billions of dollars by 2015. That’s right, Billions with a ‘B’ in just four years. Chesapeake Energy, the second largest producer of natural gas, recently reported development drills in two counties south of Columbiana had better than expected results. They plan to increase their rig total to 40 by the end of 2014. At approximately $5 to $6 million per well that’s a $200 to $240 million dollar investment over the next 2 Ω years. Not to mention the salaries, taxes and spin off business benefiting from this investment.

When looking at a map of where Chesapeake plans to locate these 40 drilling sites, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is smack dab in the middle. With one of the longest runways in the state, YNG can handle just about every type and size of aircraft. It has surrounding roads and rail to handle the cargo, and the terminal in its current state can handle the workforce traveling to and from here. Although these new ventures are great, it is not just the oil and gas industry needing a viable airport.

We have learned from our past not put all our trust in the steel industry, which contributed to the regions downfall in the 1970’s. This new economic resurgence is across various industries. The technology sector is taking off with the business incubators in Youngstown and Warren. GM at Lordstown, V&M Star, and other manufacturing companies provide a strong anchor. The airline industry is not turning a blind eye to all the good news and frequently approaches the airport and its leadership to submit proposals, conduct feasibility studies, research funding efforts and gauge community support for commercial and cargo service at YNG.

The airport is positioning itself to drive job growth in the region and in the state with improvements to the parking lot and terminal, new TSA security equipment, new restroom facilities and two new flight information monitors. Plans include a new jet bridge, repair of the current jet bridge and improvements to baggage conveyors and rental car counter.

The Forbes article says, “Ohio is leading the way.” But this region and the YNG airport will be the tip of the spear for Ohio and the nation’s resurgence.

Doug Kibby, President, YNGAir Partners

A nonprofit organization that supports the airport.