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Gov. Mike DeWine had a bill signing ceremony for a new law to create the Ohio Defense and Space Commission -- legislation sponsored by state Rep. Nick Santucci, R-Niles.
The Monday ceremony follows DeWine officially signing the bill into law on July 7.
Santucci said: "Ohio is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of American defense and aerospace innovation. This commission will bring together the right partners to compete for investment, grow advanced manufacturing, support our military installations and create good-paying jobs across our state."
The bill passed 86-7 in the state House and 33-0 in the Senate, both on June 10. State Rep. Ty D. Mathews, R-Findlay, was the bill's other main sponsor.
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 law 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 will have significant influence over which projects are recommended.