WASHINGTON, DC -- The Department of Energy (DOE) today announced that it will award $200,000 to the Fernald Community Reuse Organization, the CRO for the department’s Fernald site in Ohio. 

This grant will be used for the Hamilton/Butler County Business Incubator located in the Central Business District.  Business Incubators help young firms to survive and grow during the startup period when they are most vulnerable.

"The Department of Energy is a good neighbor to the communities surrounding its sites," Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said. "We will continue to work with the Fernald Community Reuse Organization and other community reuse organizations around the country, to retain, expand or create jobs for workers affected by restructuring efforts."

The Hamilton/Butler County Business Incubator will assist start up and emerging and existing businesses by providing hands-on management assistance, access to financing, counseling, training, and technical assistance, as well as shared office services such as access to equipment and flexible leases. 

The incubator programs will encourage self employment and convert worker talents into small business ventures thus retaining skills and experience in the community.   Downsized employees from Fluor Fernald, as well as those facing future layoffs, will be the direct beneficiaries of this program.   Fluor Fernald employees will receive priority for placement and assistance from the Business Incubator.

A CRO is an organization recognized by the Energy Department that can apply for funding for programs that can modify the impacts or workforce restructuring at its facilities and reduce community dependence on the department’s activities.

Media Contact:
Jacqueline Johnson, 202/586-5806