DAYTON — DaytonDefense, the regional association of defense contracting companies, will receive $300,000 in federal funding to establish a center that will help Ohioans who have lost their jobs to prepare for new jobs expected as programs from military bases in other states are relocated to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, said Thursday, Feb. 18, that he secured the funding as part of government agency appropriations Congress approved last year.

The defense contractors’ association will establish the Wright Center for Workforce Preparedness to publicize employer needs, match job skills and help workers to obtain security clearances.

The funds are to be distributed through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

By Sept. 15, 2011, Wright-Patterson is to receive aerospace medicine and sensors research programs, among others, as part of the changes mandated by the nation’s 2005 base realignment and closure decisions. That will bring a net gain of about 1,100 jobs to Wright-Patterson.

DaytonDefense is a not-for-profit industry association committed to expanding the region’s defense industrial base and supporting Wright-Patterson’s missions.