Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) announced he secured nearly $19 million dollars in federal funding for the 13th Congressional District through the House Appropriations Community Projects Funding (CPF) process. Ryan, who is Chairman of the House Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee and Vice-Chair of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, secured all fifteen projects he submitted—a total of $19,034,000.
The money for these projects was awarded through the new, updated Community Projects Funding (CPF) process, which allows Members of Congress to request funding for up to 15 specific projects in their districts to serve the public good. The funding must still pass the full House and Senate before being signed by the President.
“Since day one, I have fought to revitalize our region, bring good-paying jobs back home, and invest in our greatest asset—our workers. I am proud this funding delivers for Northeast Ohioans as we rebuild for the future,” said Congressman Ryan.
“Advanced STEM learning opportunities through the Northeast Ohio Impact Academy with expanded adult medical programs offered through Eastern Gateway Community College are exactly what our Valley needs,” said Matt Bowen, Superintendent of Campbell City Schools. “We are pleased Congressman Tim Ryan recognizes and supports the need to create the next generation of health care providers. We appreciate Southwoods Health and Akron Children’s Hospital for being on site partners. The medical pathway programs being scaled at the Mahoning Valley Wellness and Rehabilitation Center is the final phase of the comprehensive Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center.”
Please see the projects listed below and there descriptions.
$5 million — Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport for Runway #14 for Resurfacing
This project consists of rehabilitating a 3000′ section of a 9000′ main runway at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Funds would be used towards milling and paving along with associated drainage upgrades and required pavement markings. This project is warranted due to the existing condition rating (poor) of the pavement condition. The importance of this project is to establish long term sustainability of the Air Force Reserve Station, their 1900 employees and annual impact of $140,000,000 to the region’s economy. The project will aid existing private and corporate aviation users and help attract new commercial and cargo service to the airport. This long-term investment would see benefit back to the taxpayer in job sustainability and growth along with private sector investment in landside commercial and warehousing construction.“
On behalf of the Western Reserve Port Authority, Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG), and Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), I am expressing our gratitude for Congressman Ryan’s efforts in securing $5 million worth of funding which will enable the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport to implement the first phase of its runway rehabilitation project,” said Anthony Trevena, Executive Director of the Western Reserve Port Authority. “This investment is critical towards promoting the longevity of our most valuable asset, and will allow YNG to continue to promote itself as a hub of commercial and general aviation, as well as military operations of the 910th Airlift Wing which are critical to national security. In total, YNG and YARS have a combined $130 million annual economic impact on the Mahoning Valley.”
The 2022 STN Inspirational Person of the Year is Chelsea Spears
$2.5 million — City of Niles for Waddell Park Improvements Project
Waddell Park functions as essential public infrastructure in the City of Niles. However, as the city has aged and faced decades of disinvestment and insufficient maintenance, this once shining public park has faced serious infrastructure challenges. The City of Niles has undertaken a comprehensive initiative to improve Wardell Park by, focusing on beautification, health, and safety. These funds would be used to construct a Splash Pad Water Park including a gazebo and comfort station restrooms, erect an adaptive ADA accessible playground, overhaul water and sanitary upgrades to address failures of water supply and sanitation systems, improve fields with artificial turf, as well as fencing replacement and asphalt repairs. The goals are to enhance facility features that promote a healthy community, incorporate an attractive landscape, and allow residents to enjoy a quality-of-life activities in a comfortable setting. This project has multiple benefits to taxpayers as a regional community asset that creates jobs, stimulates community and economic development and is an accessible and welcoming park to enhance the quality of life for Niles residents and visitors.
“I would like to recognize the efforts by Congressman Ryan to bring 2.5 million dollars in federal funding to the City of Niles,” said Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz. “The city will be able to provide substantial improvements to Waddell Park, including the installation of a community splash pad and gazebo, upgraded restroom facilities, new accessible playground equipment, street pavement, concrete, and fencing repairs, and athletic field enhancements. These improvements will serve as quality-of-life enrichments for our citizens, and it is all made possible by working directly with Congressman Ryan and his team. This is outstanding news for the city as we continue our efforts to build a vibrant park system.”
$ 2 million — Akron Children’s Hospital Beeghly Campus for Emergency Department Expansion
Akron Children’s Hospital Beeghly Campus in Boardman, Ohio is the only pediatric hospital located in the Mahoning Valley and it serves as the main point of care for families in the region. Located within the Appalachian Region, the Beeghly Campus in Boardman has served as the flagship pediatric hospital for this five-county region and has consistently seen growth in the number of patient visits since its opening in 2008. Emergency visits in the area have doubled over the last quarter century, and current monthly volumes regularly exceed capacity for the existing Emergency Department (ED) space, so these funds would be used to make much needed renovations to expand the ED. This expansion would create 20 full-time jobs and would increase current space from 17 standard rooms to 23 family-centered care patient rooms with space for 6 more rooms and increase the ED’s square footage from 8,300 to 30,800. This serves as a good use of taxpayer dollars by improving access to healthcare services for children and families in a medically underserved area.
“We appreciate Rep. Tim Ryan’s continued support of Akron Children’s Hospital and the kids and families we serve, including the advocacy he is undertaking now on behalf our Mahoning Valley Emergency Department expansion,” said Chris Gessner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akron Children’s. “Each day, we are surpassing the capacity our ER was designed to accommodate. Federal funding, as well as private donations, will help us better serve the children of the Valley who are ill, injured and in emotional and behavioral crises. We are all grateful for Rep. Ryan’s prioritization of this project in his appropriations request.”
The Meaning of Christmas: 3 Things You MAY HAVE MISSED in the Christmas Story
$2 million — Mahoning Valley Wellness & Rehabilitation Center
The Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center (CLWCC) facility in Campbell City Schools (CCS) is focused on improving education, knowledge, skills, and the health of students and families in the surrounding counties. They are requesting funds for a phase 4 expansion of CLWCC to include the Mahoning Valley Wellness and Rehabilitation Center (MVWRC) to expand access to healthcare services and improve training opportunities within a medically underserved area. Funding will be used to secure specialized medical equipment which will allow for vision, dental, and other healthcare services and it will also serve as a space for training programs for current and future health professionals. With this expansion, their facility will increase the pipeline of healthcare employment with specialized training programs, and it will decrease the number of local/regional residents and families who are currently not receiving a living-wage. This is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it will address immediate healthcare accessibility and employment shortages in the region.
$2 million — Red Oak Behavioral Health Trauma-Informed Care Center
For more than 55 years Red Oak Behavioral Health has served as a mental health service provider for the Greater Akron community — providing school-based programs & services in more than 90 schools spanning 16 school districts and four counties, & providing clinic-based mental health care, education & training programs for children & adults at its facility in Akron’s Highland Square. The requested funds will be used for a capital improvement project to upgrade & expand Red Oak’s Akron facility to make it more trauma-informed & accessible to clients, allow for integrated physical healthcare service delivery, & create a regional training center for nonprofit social service professionals, and to expand their capacity to serve more patients in the surround community. Their project is a good use of taxpayer funding because it strongly aligns with the government’s commitment to support individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and other behavioral health challenges.
$1.2 million — Bounce Innovation Hub’s Minority Business Support Programs
Bounce Innovation Hub has served more than 300 entrepreneurs and startups in northeast Ohio. Located in downtown Akron, Bounce primarily serves Greater Akron and Summit County, which have historically experienced decades of economic challenges due to industry, population and job loss largely in part from the globalization of the rubber and tire industry. Unfortunately, Akron’s Black and minority populations have experienced historic economic inequities at a significantly higher rate than their white neighbors. These funds would be used to expand entrepreneurial programming for minority and historically marginalized entrepreneurs. Specifically, funding would go to training, curriculum planning, marketing, legal, accounting and other professional services designed to support the growth of minority businesses.
As a major player in the Greater Akron economic development landscape, Bounce’s mission is to catalyze entrepreneurship and innovation by providing connections, resources, and expertise to build a vibrant community, making this an excellent use of taxpayer dollars.“We are extremely grateful for the support of Congressman Ryan and his team in championing Bounce’s request for funding to scale minority business support programs at Bounce. These funds will be used to enhance our GROW (Generating Real Opportunity and Wealth) programs and other programs serving minority entrepreneurs,” said Jessica Sublett, Bounce COO and incoming CEO. “The funding is pivotal for our organization and our community because it will allow us to serve more minority entrepreneurs, while increasing the number of high-quality, wrap-around services available to support them. Many, many thanks to Tim Ryan for bringing us through this first critical milestone!”
$914,000 — Eastern Gateway Community College Electric Vehicle Technology Training Program
Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) has been an institution leading in the provision of higher education and career pathways to low-income and non-traditional students. Eastern Gateway is committed to increasing social mobility for Appalachian communities. EGCC is requesting funds to expand its electric vehicle technologies training programs to connect students with the innovative, technical skills needed to meet the demands of the job market. Developing electronic vehicle technology programs will allow students to focus on the repair and maintenance of electric vehicles as well as charging stations. This request for funding would create specific programs that EGCC is looking to develop and implement to meet the basic service technician role for the EV industry, which would open the door to students seeking to gain more advanced skills. As the region transitions from traditional manufacturing to one based in advanced technologies and electrification of the automobile industry, EV training programs provide new pathways to those entering the workforce as well as upskilling the existing manufacturing workforce. These programs will train students for in-demand jobs in a growing sector, and will be critical to national efforts to switch to green energy, making this a great use of taxpayer dollars.
Group of Individuals Builds Bears for Kids Staying in the Hospital this Holiday Season
$750,000 — Hope Community Center At-Risk Youth Project
Hope Community Center’s, mission is to meet the needs of the community by bridging the divide for disadvantaged youth. The Hope Community Center serves an at-risk youth population and their families by providing guidance and activities such as recreation, tutoring, computer labs, and food distribution. These funds would be used for a capital building project for them to increase their capacity and to expand their services to those in need. Their plans include constructing a new community center and implementing activities for the youth and their families to prevent the youth from getting pulled in the wrong direction. This would allow them to provide resources and activities to keep the young people of Barberton progressing forward with their education, career goals, and to lay the foundation for lifelong success. Local youth and community will benefit from the center by offering a safe and inclusive space to socialize, making this a good use of taxpayer dollars.
$650,000 — Trumbull County’s Voltage Valley Young Dronepreneurs Program
Trumbull County Educational Service Center (TCESC) takes an upstream approach by proposing to grow its STEM drone racing program from 6 to 50 teams. These funds would be used to significantly scale its STEM education drone racing program into Trumbull County’s Voltage Valley Young Dronepreneurs. Specifically, funds will be used to engage 44 additional middle and high school teams in Trumbull County’s Youth Drone Racing League, expand the depth and breadth of school-industry collaborations by co-creating 20 STEM lessons on drones and entrepreneurship for grades 6-12, and assess and report on the project’s impact. By designing and incubating six STEM Dronepreneur college-career pathways in area high schools, TCESC will prepare the future workforce for success and advance the region’s Voltage Valley vision, making it a good use of taxpayer dollars. This program will prepare Trumbull County youth for the nearly endless opportunities to be found within the new energy-focused supply chain networks.
$550,000 — Sight For Kids Vision Van
Sight For All United has partnered with the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and several other organizations to bring vision care directly into the schools. When children cannot see, they simply cannot learn, but financial hardships, poverty, and inaccessibility prevent many students and families from seeking out medical care, specifically vision care. These funds would be used to purchase a Vision Van with specialized equipment to take vision care directly to students. This would enable them to dramatically increase their efficiency in providing care to students throughout the entire school year and would allow the program to expand from three to 18 school districts. This is a good use of taxpayer funds because it works to improve access to healthcare to students within the community and ensures all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive.
$400,000 — Small Business Energy Efficient Support Program
NOPEC offers small business support programs in Northeast Ohio to provide businesses with tools to encourage them to grow, reinvest, and become more energy efficient. These funds will go towards expanding NOPEC’s Small Business Energy Efficiency Support Program to provide additional resources for outreach and engagement with small businesses. Specifically, it will provide support such as consulting guidance on reducing operational costs through energy efficiency and providing educational outreach to expand awareness. This request is a good use of taxpayer dollars as it serves to leverage existing non-federal dollars for the benefit of small businesses and our environment. With many small businesses across Ohio still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, these support programs will allow small businesses to invest in energy efficiency and their future.
$350,000 — Stark County Sheriff’s Office Driving Simulator and Body-Worn Cameras
The Stark County Sheriff’s Office seeks funds to purchase and install a Law Enforcement Driving Simulator for the Stark County Law Enforcement Training Center and to acquire additional body-worn cameras (BWCs) for officers in the Jail and Civil Divisions. According to the CDC, from 2011-2020, 454 officers died due to motor vehicle-related incidents in the line of duty, making this a major safety concern for law enforcement officers in the United States. These funds would go towards a state-of-the-art simulator that will be used to implement a successful driver training program to improve the knowledge and skills of the members of the Stark County law enforcement community. The Law Enforcement Driving Simulator will give officers the opportunity to learn all that is required to maximize their safety while operating their patrol car and further protect the motoring public. Additionally, funds would be used to expand Stark County’s body-worn camera program. BWCs are an important tool to help promote police-community relations and can also provide critical investigatory evidence. This is a good use of taxpayer dollars because it goes toward improving the safety of law enforcement officers and the surrounding community.
$300,000 — TECH CORPS Computer Science Education Program
TECH CORPS provides STEM education to under-served students across the state of Ohio. TECH CORPS’ proven programming effectively educates and empowers 3rd-12th grade students in computer science and information technology fields through in-school/after-school programming and summer camps. TECH CORPS programs support students in moving along a technology pathway which ultimately prepares them for college, credential, or career. These funds would be used to purchase technology equipment including laptops, iPads, and 3-D printers, which will allow TECH CORPS to expand its programming to students in Northeast, Ohio that may not have had the equipment needed to implement a TECH CORPS program. The technology pipeline begins in elementary school, continues through higher education and extends into the workforce. This program works to expand access to students typically underrepresented in the computer science field such as women, students of color, students from low-income families, and students from rural areas making it an excellent use of taxpayer dollars.
$250,000 — Portage County Adult Probation Department’s Probationers Offered Work, Empowerment, Re-direction (POWER) Program
The POWER Program works to expand services to formerly incarcerated people. These funds would be used to uphold the mission of the Portage County Adult Probation Department of enhancing the potential of formerly incarcerated people to become productive, law-abiding members of the community. Specifically, funds would support programming such as how to obtain and retain employment, complete an apprenticeship program, obtain short-term housing, and acquire a valid driver’s license in addition to providing high school equivalency assistance, healthcare assistance, and professional counseling. Not only will this program help its participants, but employers with job vacancies will also benefit. In light of the ongoing labor shortage and importance of reducing recidivism, this project is a good use of taxpayer funds.
$170,000 — Warren Police Department Law Enforcement Technology Enhancement
The Warren Police Department (WPD) is requesting funds for mobile forensic survey equipment and mobile license plate readers. The mobile forensic survey equipment would be used to support the WPD’s criminal investigations by improving the precision of the Department’s cell site analysis, which investigators utilize in the course of their work. Mobile license plate readers, mounted on marked patrol cars, would enhance the effectiveness of the WPD’s officers by instantly alerting them when a suspect’s license plate is scanned. Both of these have a direct benefit to the community in improving public safety efforts and providing resolution to victims of crimes, making this project a good use of taxpayer funds.
