BEL Assists Electric Infrastructure Grant to upgrade Niles, Ohio Power Grid and Bring Jobs
NILES — Niles city officials on Monday announced the receipt of a $402,500 federal grant to expand electrical capacity on its west side, paving the way for the expansion of an aluminum extrusion plant and the creation of 30 new jobs.
The funding comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization initiative. The federal program targets economic development in communities affected by changes in the coal industry.
Local officials will use the money to upgrade power infrastructure for the expansion of BRT Extrusions Inc. at 1818 N. Main Street. To secure the federal funds, Niles city leaders agreed to provide a local matching contribution of $172,500, bringing the total project allocation to $575,000. Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz tells 21 News that Niles’ share of the cost will come from the city’s electrical fund.
The infrastructure upgrade will allow BRT Extrusions to build two new press lines. The expansion is expected to create at least 30 new jobs while supporting revenue and job growth for regional suppliers and contractors.
Mayor Mientkiewicz said that the power upgrade will also provide opportunities for other future industrial expansion in the area.
Niles has operated its own municipal electric distribution utility for more than 100 years to serve its population of over 18,000 residents. The current electrical infrastructure in the area is outdated and requires significant upgrades to support the manufacturer’s growth.
With assistance from the Beneficial Electrification League, the city developed a proposal for the project. The infrastructure work will include installing a new power line and two transformers with a capacity of at least 1,500 kilovolt-amperes.
The city partnered with American Municipal Power to submit the application through the Ohio Department of Development.
The federal initiative has invested $484.7 million in 564 projects across the Appalachian region since 2015. Program administrators state that these regional investments help diversify local economies by supporting advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and worker training programs.
