Trumbull County has been awarded $399,725 in grant money from the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission (EOMAC) for the execution and implementation of a study at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

The Joint Land Use Study looked at issues surrounding potential growth and expansion of the base, which is located in Vienna.

Some key recommendations found in the study include raising awareness with noise surrounding the base, height restrictions for drone operations in the airspace surrounding YARS, and applying safety zone criteria to the future development of airport property. Other recommendations can be found here. 

One goal of the study is to gauge not only how the base could potentially expand in the future, but also how the surrounding areas can do so simultaneously.

Vito Abruzzino, executive director of EOMAC said, "The study reflects strategies that, when carried out, allow for both the local community and air station to coexist and grow without interfering with each other."

Potential expansion is always on the table for a military base, with new aircraft, strategies and equipment changing frequently. The study, will help keep the base upgraded strategically for military purposes, while serving as a precursor for the future.

"This will help us get ready for new potential aircraft and show that the base is desirable for the military to keep using it," said State Senator Sean O'Brien of District 32, where the Youngstown Air Reserve Station resides. "To see [a Joint Land Use Study] executed here in Trumbull County, focused on our largest employer in YARS, is something to be proud of."

According to the Joint Land Use Study's findings, "In Fiscal Year 2018, Youngstown ARS contributed $100 million to the region’s economy." 

A request for proposals to contract, and further execute the grant money for specific needs will be sent from Trumbull County later this week.