$8.7 Million secured for project funding at Youngstown Air Reserve Station

VIENNA TWP., Ohio - Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) Monday secured $8.7 million for Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS) in the House Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill.
These funds will be used to widen an assault runway/taxiway at YARS.
"I'm proud to have been able to use my position on the House Appropriations Committee to secure these important funds for YARS. The citizens of Northeast Ohio pay a lot in taxes to the federal government, and it is my job to bring as much of that money back to our community to create jobs, raise wages, and improve our quality of life," said Rep. Tim Ryan. "YARS is the largest employer in Trumbull County and the third-largest employer in the Mahoning Valley, investing in our base is not just important for the men and women who work there every day to keep our nation safe, but it is critical to the wellbeing of our entire local economy."
YARS is home to the 910th Airlift Wing and the Department of Defense's only large-area, fixed-wing aerial spray unit.
This construction project will widen the assault runway/taxiway necessary to support C-17 and C-130 aircraft and help to ensure the long-term viability of the air station.
"The runway widening is not only a win for YARS and the Mahoning Valley, but even more so for the Air Force as a whole," said. Col. Jeff Van Dootingh, 910th Airlift Wing and YARS installation commander. "This project will make our base more capable and allow our joint partners to conduct critical military flight training at YARS."
YARS is the largest employer in Trumbull County and the third-largest in the Mahoning Valley behind Mercy Health and Youngstown State University.
The base's economic impact on the area in 2020 was $137.3 million, up from $115 million in 2019 and $90 million in 2015.
For 2020, this includes $103.1 million in annual payroll to Valley residents and over $17 million in local expenditures.