Eastgate seeks TIGER grant

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Eastgate Regional Council of Governments recently submitted an application to receive a Transportation Infrastructure Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Youngstown SMAR ≤T Network.

Eastgate is directly responsible for a variety of federal, state and local planning and project implementation programs for Mahoning and Trumbull counties. It seeks $10.2 million in federal support.

The Youngstown SMAR ≤T Network connects strategic, medical, manufacturing, academic, residential, recreational, technology and employment centers that are located in the city’s economic core.

Key project elements include the reconstruction of Fifth Avenue, Rayen Avenue, Front Street, Commerce Street and Park Avenue into safe and complete streets; the introduction of a transit circulator and minihubs that include a main transit hub at Mercy Health’s St. Elizabeth Youngstown campus; and improvements to pedestrian and bicycle facilities that include dedicated bike lanes and marked paths to Mill Creek Park.

“The SMAR ≤T Network exemplifies the purpose of the TIGER program. Eastgate is pleased to submit this application on behalf of the city of Youngstown because of its regional significance,” James Kinnick, Eastgate’s executive director, said in a statement.

In addition to Youngstown, Eastgate Regional partnered with Eastern Gateway Community College, Mercy Health, Mill Creek MetroParks, Western Reserve Transit Authority, Youngstown State University and the philanthropic community to secure $2.3 million in cash and $7.9 million in in-kind services for a total of $10.2 million in local support.