Senator Sherrod Brown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators George V. Voinovich (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) assisted the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission in securing a $150,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to fund the position of Economic Recovery Coordinator. This coordinator will assist state and local officials in the development and implementation of a strategic plan for economic recovery from sudden and severe job loss in the southwestern Ohio counties of Clinton, Fayette and Highland resulting from the possible closure of the DHL facility in Wilmington.

“I am working everyday along with Sen. Brown and other members of the Ohio delegation to do everything we can to save these jobs,” Sen. Voinovich said. “We are hoping to save these jobs, but at the same time, we will not be caught flat footed if things don’t go well. We must prepare now to help families make ends meet if our efforts are not successful.”

“The DHL-UPS proposal puts more than 8,000 jobs directly at risk,” said Sen. Brown. “Workers, families, and the community now face an uncertain economic future. We will continue to fight for these jobs, but we must also provide the community with resources to promote economic development.”

EDA serves as a venture capital resource to meet the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. EDA's mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

A copy of a July 2008 letter Brown and Voinovich sent requesting funds for Southwest Ohio is available for download in the toolbar on the right.