Press Release

Investment from U.S. EDA to Help Clinton County Diversify Use of Former DHL Airpark

March 2, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $294,000 grant to the Clinton County Port Authority of Wilmington, Ohio to develop a marketing redevelopment and re-use plan for the former DHL Airpark.

"The airpark is a tremendous asset that holds the potential to help the region diversify its economy and create new jobs," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "We are pleased to invest in advancing a reuse strategy that will provide regional leaders with a blueprint to grow emerging business clusters that are vital to job creation."

"This study will focus on how to enhance existing industrial clusters and further develop existing assets and resources in the region," said John Limbert, President of the Clinton County Port Authority.

A sound marketing and redevelopment plan will allow the Port Authority to determine potential re-use alternatives that will help replace the 6,000 jobs lost when DHL ceased operations. The grant aligns with EDA's priority to advance public-private partnerships and collaborative regional innovation.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.