Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law a bill, sponsored by state Rep. Nick Santucci, to create the Ohio Defense and Space Commission that the legislator says is “especially significant” for the Mahoning Valley.

Santucci, R-Niles, said the law “positions Ohio to compete for more federal defense and aerospace investment, strengthens our advanced manufacturing base and creates opportunities for the high-paying jobs of the future. By bringing together state government, industry, our military installations, higher education and private-sector partners, Ohio is doubling down on innovation, national security and economic growth.”

The bill passed 86-7 in the state House and 33-0 in the Senate, both on June 10. DeWine signed the bill into law Tuesday. State Rep. Ty D. Mathews, R-Findlay, was the bill’s other main sponsor.

Once established, the commission will study and develop comprehensive strategies to promote the defense and aerospace industries; issue recommendations regarding how to prepare the state for favorable outcomes related to the federal military base realignment and closure process and how to recruit international businesses to invest in the state for the industries; promote research, development and manufacturing of technology to counter unmanned aerial vehicle systems in Ohio; and consider policies to improve quality of life for service members and veterans.

The bill establishes a nine-member commission headed by the state Department of Development director with the state adjutant general as a member with two from the Ohio House and two from the Senate — one from the majority party and one from the minority party in each chamber. Also, the governor, the House and the Senate would each appoint one member “with a background in or a knowledge of defense or aerospace industries.”

The commission will provide an annual report that will help the Department of Development determine where $5 million in state funding will go to support economic development related to the defense and aerospace industries.

The commission doesn’t make the final grant awards, but Santucci said “it will have significant influence over which projects are recommended.”

The commission will benefit the local area, he said.

Santucci said: “For the Lake to River region, this is especially significant. We already possess many of the assets needed to lead the next generation of defense and aerospace manufacturing. America Makes has established our region as the nation’s leader in additive manufacturing, while Youngstown State University continues to produce the talent, research and workforce needed to support these critical industries. Combined with our world-class manufacturers, skilled workforce and strong public-private partnerships, the Lake to River region is uniquely positioned to compete for additional federal contracts, research partnerships and private investment.”

Also, construction is expected to start shortly on the first phase of the $62.2 million Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense in the city’s downtown. The project is supposed to be finished by 2029.

Santucci said: “The Lake to River region has long been a place where things are made, ideas are developed and hardworking people solve some of our nation’s toughest challenges. This legislation builds on that legacy and gives our region an even greater opportunity to help shape America’s future.”

Santucci said the commission will help “ensure Ohio remains at the forefront of defense innovation and that regions like ours have a seat at the table as our nation invests in the technologies and manufacturing capabilities that will strengthen both our economy and our national security. I look forward to working with our regional partners to capitalize on these opportunities and continue building the Lake to River region into one of the nation’s premier hubs for advanced manufacturing, defense innovation and economic opportunity for generations to come.”