Great Lakes groups push development

Chambers brainstorm ways to help the Rust Belt and beyond

By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle
YOUNGSTOWN — Winning federal money to rebuild roads, sewers and other infrastructure, along with attracting skilled legal immigrants, could help Great Lakes states share the global economic pie, leaders believe.

‘‘We produce the most patents of any area in the country. Of the top 100 universities in the world, we have the most. But we lag when you look at funding for investment, particularly entrepreneurial investment,’’ Regional Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Tony Paglia said Monday after the release of an economic policy agenda formulated last month by chambers of commerce.

The two-day Detroit summit assembled leaders from states that ring the Great Lakes — from Pennsylvania to Iowa — to explore ways to revitalize the region’s economies. Paglia said urban areas need funding for roads, bridges, sewers and other projects that attract business.

‘‘We’re funding a lot of infrastructure over the country but not in older areas, particularly the Great Lakes. We need a massive infusion of money for water and sewer lines and roads instead of creating new roads and sewers,’’ he said.

Another key element for development is attracting legal immigrants who have skills to develop the region’s economy, education, health care and other institutions.

‘‘Right now, there’s such a small number permitted into the country. Why not let some urban zones allow legal immigrants to come to those areas?’’ Paglia said.

Paglia acknowledged that efforts by a number of northeast Ohio economic development groups have done little to jump-start the Mahoning Valley’s economy, but he said the Detroit summit was notable for its size.

‘‘This is a large area, population-wise. The biggest thing is getting the attention of the powers-that-be,’’ he said.

The Great Lakes states want to hold another summit in Washington, D.C., where the region’s congressional officials would join the discussion, Paglia said. He added the chambers also are relaying their concerns and goals to presidential candidates.

Joining the group was think tank Brookings Institute, which has studied why cities in the Rust Belt states are failing to keep up with the global economy.

Although small compared to Chicago, Detroit and other Great Lakes regions, the Mahoning Valley holds special interest for Brookings, said Paglia, noting the researchers plan to visit the area to study specific issues they can highlight on a national scale.

‘‘Brookings points out the need to bring prosperity back to urban areas by having urban policies. By us going to Detroit, we could make the kind of contacts where we get attention,’’ Paglia said.



lringler@tribune-chronicle.com