WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today praised an agreement between Girard and Youngstown that will promote a nearly $1 billion economic development project in the area surrounding V&M Star Steel. The agreement will also enable the utilization of nearly $20 million in federal economic recovery funds for transportation infrastructure improvements.
“These funds will enhance the economic competiveness of the Mahoning Valley and improve infrastructure surrounding the V&M site,” Brown said. “Today’s agreement is an example of how coordination among surrounding communities and a partnership with the federal government can promote economic development and create good-paying jobs.”
Today’s agreement will enable the annexation of 191 acres of land in Girard adjacent to V&M Star Steel to provide space for a proposed $970 million, 400-job expansion of V&M Star Steel operations in Youngstown. The $20 million in stimulus funds will provide for infrastructure improvements to the building site, including roads, sewers, water lines, and railroad lines. The funds will help relocate the Norfolk Southern Rail Line which would provide space for the expansion of V&M Star facilities in Youngstown.
This construction project will generate 700 construction jobs for a period of 12 months while expansion of V&M would create more than 400 good-paying permanent jobs. Economic development of the area could generate 100 additional full-time jobs in the surrounding corridor.
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