As we noted at the time, ATM manufacturer NCR announced in June that it was moving its headquarters from Ohio to Georgia, costing Ohio about 1,200 jobs and its only Fortune 500 company.
Among the reasons for the move were a $61 million dollar incentive package and the chance to consolidate operations in one place. As part of the deal, NCR agreed to build a new plant in Columbus, Ga.
Soon after the move was announced, Columbus applied for $5.5 million in federal stimulus money for the plant. Ohio officials cried foul, claiming that would be using federal money to send jobs from one state to another, not create new jobs.
Not to worry. At least for now, the request has been denied.
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce official Becca Hardin said the Development Authority of Columbus was told late last week that their application for the money was not approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“As originally submitted, they couldn’t support it,” Hardin said. “Our original application was put together so quickly, we were not able to use the federal procurement bidding process.”
Columbus officials say they’re willing to borrow the money if necessary, but they aren’t yet giving up on federal help.
Hardin … is scheduled to lead a group from Columbus to meet with federal Economic Development Administration officials next week.
Stay tuned.
