Trumbull County MetroParks wait for word on grants

Funds would go toward dam removal, bike trail work and river cleanup

HOWLAND -- The Trumbull County MetroParks is awaiting word on grants of nearly $8 million that will be used toward the Leavittsburg dam removal, Mahoning River cleanup and improvements to the Greenway Bike Trail.

Zachary Svette, metroparks executive director, said at a recent board meeting he is waiting to see if the parks received a $3.2 million dam removal grant being sought through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency with help from the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. He said he is hoping to hear by the end of the year.

"The final list for state funding should come out before Christmas," Svette said.

Board member John Brown said the removal of the Summit Street dam in Warren likely will happen prior to the Leavittsburg dam removal, which is set for 2023 or 2024.

Svette said he also is waiting to see if the parks receive a $300,000 to $400,000 grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Mahoning River cleanup and a $4 million bike trail grant from Ohio Department of Transportation.

Svette said he has met with Warren officials about forming possible partnerships between the city and the metroparks for cleanup of the Mahoning River within the city limits and other projects. He said nothing is official.

In other business, the board:

• Heard Svette has been in contact with Cortland officials about the sled hill in the Eastlake Metropark in the city being used for sledding based on weather. Svette said they would like to hold a sled-riding and scavenger hunt event;

• Was informed 140 trees were planted at Clarence Darrow Park as part of an ongoing project;

• Sent a letter to Trumbull County Sheriff Paul Monroe thanking the sheriff's department for providing inmates for mowing at the metroparks;

• Are reviewing the budget to install portable restrooms for the parks.