SE Ohio Times

On April 10, Representatives Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) and Dave Joyce (OH-14) introduced legislation that would result in the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG) and Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS) being designated as a primary airport. Reps. Johnson and Joyce released the following statements after introducing their legislation:

“The Western Reserve Port Authority and local officials within the Mahoning Valley have been working relentlessly to maintain the airport, attract commercial airlines, and support the mission of the 910th Airlift Wing. Designating YNG/YARS as a primary airport will help in achieving these goals,” said Rep. Johnson. “Our region would greatly benefit from this designation, and I look forward to working with Rep. Joyce on this legislation to promote economic growth and strengthen defense opportunities within the Mahoning Valley.”

“Restoring the Youngstown Warren Regional Airport and the Youngstown Air Reserve Station’s primary airport status will help bolster economic growth, increase military readiness, and fulfill critical infrastructure needs on the airbase,” said Rep. Joyce. “I am proud to partner with Congressman Johnson on this legislation to ensure the men and women on our airbase have the resources they need to perform their duties efficiently and effectively, while supporting economic growth in the Mahoning Valley.”

Currently, YNG is the only commercial airport in the country with an Air Reserve Station that does not have commercial air service.

Upon the loss of commercial air service in 2018, the FAA significantly reduced the annual maintenance funding at the airfield. Because of this, YNG faces significant and increasing challenges to maintain its infrastructure for current users, including the 910th Airlift Wing, corporate, charter, and general aviation users.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

Original source can be found here.