Cleveland's city council has approved a revised plan to offer a 10-year exclusive contract for street and traffic lights in return for opening a local manufacturing plant.
The plan was approved Wednesday and the city will now seek bids.
Mayor Frank Jackson originally wanted to give a no-bid contract to a Chinese company in return for building a Cleveland plant with 350 employees.
That plan was dropped when it turned out a businessman who was a go-between had emerged as a part owner of the Chinese company's North American operations.
Jackson says he hopes the Chinese firm is still interested in working with the city.
The council vote was 12-7, with opponents fearful the deal locks the city in for too long amid changing technology.
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Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com