Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport to Repave Runways, Upgrade Lighting with JobsOhio Support

VIENNA, Ohio [Sept. 18, 2026] - The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is undertaking runway rehabilitation projects that include the complete resurfacing of both runways, associated drainage improvements and airfield lighting upgrades, representing more than $22 million in infrastructure investment. JobsOhio is supporting the project with a $1.71 million grant through its Aerospace and Defense Opportunity Program. The improvements will strengthen airport operations, enhance safety and reliability, and further position YNG as a strategic aviation and military asset for the region.

The assistance was made possible through the direct advocacy of Lake to River Economic Development, the JobsOhio regional network partner for Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. Lake to River championed the project to JobsOhio on the Western Reserve Port Authority's behalf, helping to unlock the funding that will support the runway and lighting upgrades.

"We welcome the strong collaboration with YNG, the Western Reserve Port Authority and Lake to River to improve infrastructure at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "The two repaved runways will ensure the facility is more attractive for new military missions and economic development projects that bring jobs and investment to the Mahoning Valley.

"For an airport like Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, centerline lighting can strengthen all-weather capability and make the runway more attractive for commercial, military, cargo and corporate operations," said Anthony Trevena, executive director, Western Reserve Port Authority.

The project pairs centerline lighting installation with the resurfacing of runway 14/32, enabling safe operations at night and in low visibility to standards required by modern aircraft. The upgrade removes the weather and visibility restrictions that have limited commercial and private flights at YNG and supports military training operations at the adjacent Youngstown Air Reserve Station.

As the region's lead economic development organization, Lake to River connects organizations across the four counties directly to the resources that move projects like this forward.

"The airport and air base are strategic economic development assets for all four counties, and this investment strengthens job stability, military readiness and long-term growth across our region," said Dani Robbins, Lake to River CEO.

The grant targets Ohio's role in a trillion-dollar aerospace and defense sector, with a focus on reinforcing the military value of Ohio's installations ahead of any future federal base realignment decisions.

The five-year, $250 million initiative launched by JobsOhio, provides grants and loans of up to $2.5 million per project to eligible entities whose work advances Ohio's defense readiness and creates jobs and capital investment across the state. Eligible projects include infrastructure supporting military missions, resiliency upgrades for federal installations, and industrial facilities serving the military community.

"The Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport is an important economic development asset for Trumbull County and our entire region. Investments like this strengthen the airport, support the 910th Airlift Wing and create new opportunities to attract businesses, jobs and private investment. A strong airport is an important part of building a stronger economy for Trumbull County," said Tony Bernard, Trumbull County Commissioner.

"YNG is critical infrastructure to the entire Mahoning Valley, and we must continue to maintain and grow it as one of the anchors of our region's economy," said Geno DiFabio, Mahoning County Commissioner.

"The 910th Airlift Wing's mission is critical to our national security, and ensuring it has the infrastructure needed to succeed is equally important. This forward-looking investment strengthens the 910th, supports the future of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and reinforces our role in America's defense. I'm grateful to JobsOhio and Lake to River for their continued investment in the Mahoning Valley," said Rep. Nick Santucci (R-64), Majority Whip and Chairman of the Lake to River Caucus.

About Lake to River

Lake to River is the JobsOhio network partner for Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties, working to accelerate business growth and job creation through site development, business attraction, and workforce initiatives. For more information, visit laketoriverohio.org.