SE Ohio Times

Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, has announced that the Western Reserve Port Authority has been awarded a federal grant of $8,028,000 under the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program. The grant will be used to improve the infrastructure at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), specifically by resurfacing taxiways used by the installation for its mission.

Rep. Bill Johnson expressed his support for the grant, stating, "The Western Reserve Port Authority and local officials within the Mahoning Valley at all levels have been working as hard as ever to maintain the airport, attract commercial airlines, and support the mission of the 910th Airlift Wing. This grant will go a long way towards achieving these goals."

The funding from the grant will address critical infrastructure needs at YARS, which is one of the largest economic drivers in the Mahoning Valley. It will enable improved training exercises, safer deployments, and more rapid emergency response.

"We are extremely appreciative for the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot grant awarded by the Department of Defense's Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation," said Anthony Trevena, Executive Director of the Western Reserve Port Authority. "Not only will it bolster our airport's infrastructure, but it will also stimulate our local economy by creating jobs in construction and maintenance right here in the Mahoning Valley."

The grant will specifically be used for the resurfacing and rehabilitation of Taxiway Hotel/H, a critical project at YARS that ensures ongoing support for military readiness and vital missions. The announcement of the grant reflects the strong collaboration between the community and federal legislators.

"The resurfacing of Taxiway Hotel, known as the 'driveway to the airbase,' will help support military readiness and the mission at the 910th Airlift Wing as well as support our reservists here at YARS," said Josh Prest, Executive Director for EOMAC. "The resurfacing of Taxiway H will go hand in hand with the upcoming arrival of eight new C-130J airplanes here at YARS."

The Youngstown Air Reserve Station has faced challenges in maintaining its infrastructure since the loss of commercial air service in 2018. The reduction in annual maintenance funding from the Federal Aviation Administration has made it increasingly difficult to support current users, including the 910th Airlift Wing, corporate, charter, and general aviation users.

The grant received by the Western Reserve Port Authority will greatly benefit the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and the Mahoning Valley as a whole. It not only addresses critical infrastructure needs but also supports the mission of the 910th Airlift Wing and ensures the long-term sustainability of YARS's runways and other infrastructure.

For more information, please visit the formal announcement from the Department of Defense [here](https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3534765/department-of-defense-approves-100-million-in-grants-under-the-defense-communit/).