News & Press
Port Authority Secures Final $1 Million in Funding from JobsOhio to Make Aviation Education Center a Reality
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Feb. 19, 2025) – The Western Reserve Port Authority has secured the final funding to launch an aviation education center at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport (YNG). The $1 million JobsOhio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) Grant allows the $5.5 million project to move directly from planning to design and construction.
The Port Authority worked closely with Lake to River, the local JobsOhio network partner, to secure the OSIP grant, expediting the project, which is expected to significantly impact the aviation industry’s workforce pipeline.
“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 national demand for skilled pilots and mechanics,” said Anthony Trevena, Executive Director, Western Reserve Port Authority.
The YNG Aviation Education Center is expected to provide new career pathways in the region, connecting workforce development to the highly in-demand aviation industry. It will be comprised of a new 18,000-square-foot commercial building to house an expansion of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) and to establish the YNG Flight School.
“The Western Reserve Port Authority’s leadership to make the YNG Aviation Education Center a reality will build an even stronger aviation workforce in the region, strengthening Ohio’s position as a national leader in aviation innovation for years to come,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “Located halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport’s campus is shared with the Youngstown Air Reserve Station (YARS), making it an ideal location for aviation education and mechanics training.”
The education center will be built to accommodate training for new technology, such as advanced air mobility (AAM) and pilot training for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOLs) aircraft. Ohio is nationally recognized as a leader in AAM and is driving innovation in electric and hybrid aircraft.
“This project demonstrates how collaboration among public and private partners can deliver transformative results, addressing workforce needs while driving meaningful economic growth in the Mahoning Valley,” said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, Interim CEO, Lake to River.
Other funding sources include the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the State of Ohio (capital bill), the State of Ohio Department of Development, and the Trumbull County Commissioners, with additional support from Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and PIA.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
About Lake to River
Lake to River is a private, nonprofit economic development organization and JobsOhio Network Partner accelerating business growth and job creation throughout Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Visit laketoriverohio.org for more information.
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CONTACT:
Matt Englehart
JobsOhio
Office: 614-300-1152
or
Jim Houck
898 Marketing/Lake to River
Mobile: 330-554-5234