Latest Infrastructure and Incentive Updates from Ohio, Missouri, and More

Navigating the complex landscape of site selection involves evaluating the infrastructure, transport options, and applicable incentives. This week's Infrastructure & Incentives Update from Business Facilities delves into noteworthy developments across Ohio, Missouri, Texas, Montana, and Alaska.

Ohio's New Initiative for Workforce Expansion

Ohio recently initiated the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive, designed to attract skilled professionals to the state. Employers within specific industries can receive $15,000 for each new out-of-state STEM or technical hire, with a cap of $225,000 per company. This incentive aims to meet the state's growing demand for specialized skills.

Eligible companies will be awarded $15,000 for each new employee exceeding their out-of-state hires from the previous three years. The incentive is processed on a first-come, first-served basis as soon as an employee relocates and begins work in Ohio. It applies to businesses of all sizes across JobsOhio's ten key industries, and funds can be utilized for signing bonuses, relocation expenses, or recruitment efforts.

Kristi Clouse, Senior Managing Director of Talent at JobsOhio, emphasized, “Geography shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for finding the right talent... by making national recruiting as cost-effective as local hiring, we’re empowering companies to cast a wider net for the specialized skills they need.” Ohio employers are invited to visit JobsOhio.com/relo for more information on eligibility and application procedures.

Missouri's Tax Credit for Interns and Apprentices

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has opened applications for its Intern and Apprentice Tax Credit through Missouri One Start. Eligible businesses can apply until November 15, 2025. The program encourages employers to increase their number of interns and apprentices, thus strengthening Missouri's workforce.

Under this initiative, employers that expand their intern or apprentice workforce can earn tax credits against their state liabilities. The program offers up to $1,500 per eligible intern or apprentice, with a maximum of $9,000 per company annually. More details can be found on the Missouri One Start website.

Enhancing Career Education in Texas

In Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has allocated over $1.1 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to five schools in the Rio Grande Valley. These grants are designed to enhance career and technical education by funding equipment purchases, impacting approximately 2,140 students in high-demand fields such as nursing and mechanics.

The funding supports the development of technical education programs for various educational institutions. Recently, TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III awarded the grants during a ceremony at Texas Southmost College. Details about the specific grants and partnerships can be accessed through the Texas Workforce Commission's official website.

Montana Launches Rural Business Loan Program

Starting October 1, 2025, Montana will accept applications for the Opportunities in Rural Economies (ORE) Loan Participation Program. This initiative by the Montana Department of Commerce provides low-interest loans to rural businesses through collaborations with local lenders.

The program aims to stimulate job creation and economic growth in rural areas. The application window is open until October 28, 2025, and applications are handled on a rolling basis. Interested parties are advised to consult the Commerce website for agreements and application details.

Expanding Alaska's Port of Nome

Alaska's Port of Nome is set for expansion, aimed at accommodating larger vessels and establishing a deep-water basin. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a construction contract for the first phase to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., valued at approximately $399.4 million.

Col. Jeffrey Palazzini of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers highlighted the project's importance: “A robust and efficient transportation hub at Nome is foundational to the long-term viability of surrounding communities in the region.” The expansion will deepen navigation channels to improve access and serve strategic purposes, including research and military operations. More information is available at the Port of Nome website.

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