CONNERSVILLE — More than two years after a key city employer closed, Connersville is still on the ropes.

Unemployment is at 13.8 percent. Retirees are worried about pension cuts and losing their health insurance. Jobless benefits are running out.

“I know our people are hurting. … I get very discouraged sometimes,” said Mayor Leonard Urban.

But this factory town says better days are coming, driven by the arrival of Carbon Motors.

The company is awaiting approval of a $310 million federal loan so it can begin production of an energy-efficient police car. Work is expected to begin in 2012.

But the company is planning a job fair this spring to help residents polish resumes and have a pool of applicants ready when it's time to fill the 1,550 jobs the company expects to create.

Carbon spokesman Stacy Dean Stephens says the company is writing job descriptions, and the qualifications will vary. But he said the jobs might not be a good fit for everyone.

“We're looking for people with the same drive and passion we have, people who see how important this vehicle is to law enforcement and the globe,” Stephens said. “That's the key to coming to work for Carbon Motors.”

The jobs can't come soon enough for Connersville.

The closing of Visteon's plant followed other factory shutdowns. Many residents are in dire need, leaders say.

The Community Sharing Foundation's food pantry sees 60-100 people a week, said Betty Barbee, foundation secretary.

Urban, who spent most of the past year trying to find an employer to fill the void left by Visteon, said the city is talking with some companies that want to locate in Connersville when Carbon Motors gets started.