Ohio offering $56 million to keep GM plant open

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher says the state is offering General Motors Corp. a tax credit and grant worth more than $56 million to keep open its SUV plant in the Dayton suburb of Moraine.

The automaker has said it plans to close the plant by 2010 or sooner because of a customer shift to smaller vehicles. About 2,400 workers are employed there.

The proposed assistance announced Wednesday consists of a $54 million job retention tax credit and a $2 million "rapid outreach" grant.

GM spokeswoman Sharon Basel says she doesn't know if the automaker has received the proposal.

She says GM values the support of the state and its priorities toward building a positive business climate and a strong manufacturing base.

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Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com