Feds nix funding Struthers downtown project

STRUTHERS — City officials found out recently they weren’t selected for a $300,000 downtown revitalization grant through the Ohio Development Services Agency.

They did, however, receive $70,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding from Mahoning County, which Mayor Terry Stocker said will be used to move forward on plans to reinvigorate the city’s downtown area.

Stocker added that other money outside of general-fund dollars may be funneled into downtown projects, like improvements to parking, lighting and buildings.

For instance, money from the city’s Revolving Loan Fund may be used in the near future to make safer driving and parking on State Street.

About 10,000 cars drive along State Street each day, said Stocker, who added that traffic continues to increase with the influx of new businesses in that area.

His long-term goal is to eliminate parking on State Street itself and create more “off-road” parking solutions.

The city will also receive $400,000 in Community Home Investment Program funding, which can be used next year for home-rehabilitation projects within the city, Stocker said.