GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES DEFENSE CONVERSION ASSISTANCE
State money to help local communities keep bases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2004 Columbus, OH -- Governor Bob Taft today announced $1.5 million in grants to help five Ohio communities retain local military bases. Those communities; Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lima and Youngstown all have military bases that could be affected by the federal government’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) efforts.

“This money will help sustain Ohio’s long and proud history of serving our nation’s military efforts,” said Taft. “These bases are a critical component of our nation’s defense and a vital part of Ohio’s economy.”

All five applicants received grants, which were awarded by the Ohio Department of Development and based on recommendations of a subcommittee of the Ohio Aerospace and Defense Advisory Council. They are as follows:

Non-Profit Organization Amount

• Cleveland Growth Association $115,300
  Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce $186,100
  Dayton Development Coalition $950,000
  Allen County Economic Development Group $58,500

  
  

• Youngstown Warren Chamber $190,100

  
  

The money is to help local communities with the research and preparation of response plans to the US Department of Defense BRAC 2005 process. In general, the recipients indicated the money will be used to develop baseline assessments, create community coalitions and effectively communicate the strengths of each base. Each applicant also indicated that the grant money would leverage additional local dollars.

According to Ohio Development Director Bruce Johnson, this is the first time Ohio has given money to local communities to prepare for the BRAC review. “The presence of military bases have a direct impact on local economies and I am pleased that we can assist these organizations in developing a community-based response to retain this presence,” said Johnson.

Nationwide, since 1998, Department of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commissions have recommended the closure of 125 major military facilities and 225 minor military bases and installations, and the realignment in operations and functions of 145 others. In 2001, Congress authorized a new round of military base closings for 2005 that is expected to save more than $3 billion and close up to 25% of US military installations.