State Approves Funds Recognizing Dayton Area as National Leader in Aviation
 
COLUMBUS — Senators Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City), Chris Widener (R- Springfield) and Senators Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) today announced the Controlling Board’s approval of $10 million to further economic development programs at the Department of Defense facilities in Ohio. The funds will aid in the creation of new jobs to leverage and support mission gains at the facilities.
 
Specifically, the funds will be used to position Ohio to be a receiving site of defense consolidation actions, support future technology development around research sites in Ohio, and implement strategic initiatives that will achieve the long-term goal of making Ohio a national center of aeronautics and aerospace systems.
 
“Dayton has a well-established history of innovation and industry, particularly in the aerospace field,” said Beagle. “It is critical that we continue to strive as a region to capitalize on the great potential that exists in this industry for the future.”

“Ohio and the Dayton area have a great opportunity to develop the aerospace industry and to be on the leading edge of new UAV industrial and talent development,” Widener said.
 
The Wright State Applied Research Corporation will provide approximately $1,250,000 in matching funds per year. As a sub-recipient of the grant, Wright State University will continue to pursue its goal to build a nationally recognized research center focused on advancing human performance technologies. An additional $1,250,000 of mandated match will come from the industry partners of the Human Performance Consortium.