WRPA secures $1 million in funding to launch aviation education center at Youngstown airport
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Western Reserve Port Authority (WRPA) has secured the final $1 million in funding needed to launch an aviation center at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
The funding comes from JobsOhio's Site Inventory Program Grant and will allow the $5.5 million project to move directly from its planning phase to the design and construction phase.
Other funding sources for the project include the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Ohio capital bill, the Ohio Department of Development, Trumbull County Commissioners, the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA).
The project is expected to significantly increase the impact of the aviation industry's workforce pipeline by providing new career pathways in the Mahoning Valley and connecting workforce development to the highly in-demand aviation industry.
"This JobsOhio grant is the final puzzle piece that allows us to transform the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport into a hub for aviation talent, ensuring our region plays a vital role in meeting the demand for skilled pilots and mechanics," said WRPA Executive Director Anthony Trevena.
The building will be comprised of a new 18,000 square-foot commercial building to house an expansion of PIA and establish the YNG Flight School.
The center will be built to accommodate training for new technology such as advanced air mobility and pilot training for electric vehicle takeoff and landing aircraft.
