The state even raised questions about potential anti-trust violations.
But with DHL now getting out of the domestic delivery business altogether to focus entirely on international deliveries, the challenge becomes much more difficult.
“I think we were cautiously optimistic that we could stop the transaction between UPS and DHL and find cost-effective ways for them to keep their business in southwest Ohio. But now that they’ve decided to abandon the U.S. market, it is a much more difficult case for us to make,” Fisher said.
The long ordeal over DHL began in May when the company announced plans to restructure its U.S. operations.
State authorities reminded the company of the millions of dollars in tax subsidies for operations and improvements at the facility, but to no avail.
The one highlight of the day was that John Mullen, CEO of DHL Express, told reporters in a conference call that the company intends to turn the Wilmington Air Park over to the government here.
The air park is currently the largest privately owned airport in the world and was once an Air Force Base.
Control of the facility is considered a crucial first step in any redevelopment effort.
Fisher said the state is holding ongoing discussions with DHL about transfer of the property.
“What’s most important to us is that we have the freedom and flexibility to use that air park for various different uses that will promote the economic growth of the region,” Fisher said.
Who would own it? Fisher said that would be determined later.
“At this point, whether the state owns it or the city owns it or someone else is of less concern than it is to make sure we can use it for economic development purposes and we can get it from DHL, preferably at no cost,” Fisher said.
In a written statement issued Monday, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland shared Fisher’s disappointment.
Strickland scheduled a press conference in Wilmington for Tuesday morning.
Jim.otte@whiotv.com