CINCINNATI — The planned $100 million-plus project to renovate and modernize General Electric Co.’s jet engine complex represents another step in Ohio’s efforts to build its aerospace industry along the Interstate 75 corridor, according to TechSolve, a state Edison technology center that focuses on aerospace and aviation industries.

“In support of the state of Ohio’s strategic plan, TechSolve’s focus is to develop and support strategies that will retain or attract Ohio aerospace, aviation, defense, investment and sales,” TechSolve said.

GE Aviation and state officials said on Thursday, Nov. 5, that a 15-year, $120 million state tax credit will support GE Aviation’s plan to invest more than $100 million in modernizing its jet engine-manufacturing complex in Evendale, a suburb north of Cincinnati. The plan includes energy conservation projects and demolishing some buildings that date to World War II.

GE Aviation is a sponsoring member of TechSolve’s industrial membership program and holds a seat on the organization’s board. GE also is involved in aviation engine research with the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

In September, Gov. Ted Strickland designated Dayton as a hub of aerospace innovation and technology, the first such metropolitan technology hub created in Ohio. The state Department of Development has said it is considering providing a $250,000 grant to help local governments, universities and economic development entities with planning and hiring of an executive director for the Dayton aerospace hub organization.