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If bill passes, state would give nearly $10 million to renovate YSU student center

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

Updated February 8, 2024 5:02 PM

Youngstown State Courtesy of Youngstown State University

The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill that would allocate $20 million to Mahoning Valley projects, including revamping the student center at Youngstown State University.

House Bill 2 is a bipartisan community investment across the state, according to WKYC and the Ohio House of Representatives website.

Representatives Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) and Terrence Upchurch (D-Cleveland) are the primary backers for the bill, which puts state funds into projects promoting economic growth and community development.

After passing Wednesday in the House, the bill will have to go through the Ohio Senate and be signed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine before any money is sent from the state.

The funds would go toward renovation and expansion projects at several universities, recreation facilities, charities and law enforcement and government agencies across the state, including Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Youngstown State University Kilcawley Center renovations by knorris on Scribd

Large amount of funds slated for Youngstown State University

In the bill, there’s $9,753,000 going toward renovating YSU’s Kilcawley Center, the main hub of activity on campus for students and staff.

An additional $952,498 would come from the state and be used to update computers and IT systems across the YSU campus.

Other slated Mahoning Valley projects

Mahoning County

$1.5 million for expansion at Animal Charity of Ohio.
$875,000 for new West Branch Regional Community Education and Wellness Training Center.
$750,000 for expansion and preservation at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.
$660,000 to build Campbell access road.
$103,150 for Struthers splash pad at Mauthe Park.
$60,000 to start Canfield Police Department drone program.
$60,000 for War Vet Museum renovations
$238,000 for roof enhancements and repair at Youngstown Playhouse.
$185,000 for Sheridan Road Multi-Use trail in Poland.
$100,000 for Building for Tomorrow project at Rich Center for Autism.
$93,500 for Renovado capital campaign at the Organizacion Civica Cultural Hispana American.

Trumbull County