YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A local county engineer is pushing to renew the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for needed funding.
As Pat Ginnetti begins his fourth term as Mahoning County Engineer, he says his office relies not only on local revenue sources but also on the OPWC.
“This is one of the most successful programs that the state of Ohio has as far as touching and affecting in a positive way — every single community in the state of Ohio,” Ginnetti said.
Ginnetti sits on the Executive Board of the Ohio County Engineers Association, having just finished a one-year term as president. He says the OPWC provides $2.5 to $ 3 million each year just in Mahoning County.
The program has helped underwrite several local projects, including the replacement of bridges on Dobbins Road in Poland, the paving of Mahoning Avenue in Austintown, and the ongoing construction along Western Reserve Road.
However, Ginnetti says the program will come up for a statewide ballot renewal next May.
“If this doesn’t pass that means there are no infrastructure programs from July on for 2025 funded through the state,” Ginnetti said.
He says he’ll be counting on commission funding for the rebuilding of Glenwood Avenue in Boardman which is expected to start in 2026 but without it, local projects could be in jeopardy.