Chrysler’s bankruptcy plan to close the Kenosha Engine Plant might not be carved in stone, some local officials say.

“As much as this has changed in recent weeks, I would not say this is the end,” Kenosha Mayor Keith Bosman said. “I think things could change if the economy starts to rebound.”

State Rep. Peter Barca, D-Kenosha, said he also thinks at least part of the plant could be preserved.

“I’m not ready to throw in the towel by any means,” Barca said. “Fiat says they’re going to be leading the company and I think we need to make every effort to reach out to the Fiat leadership and just sell the fact that Kenosha is the place they really want to be.”

Many local officials believe the key to preserving jobs is working with Fiat, the Italian automaker to whom Chrysler wants to sell its assets.

“I think we have assembled over the last few months the business case for keeping Kenosha going,” Bosman said. “They need to hear our story and our case for staying part of the company.”

Bosman said there are a number of reasons he thinks Kenosha’s facility should be in Fiat’s plans.

“It’s a relatively new plant with relatively new technology and an experienced, high-quality workforce,” Bosman said.

Bosman also cited the plant’s location in the middle of the country and working relationship between the company and union as positives for keeping the plant alive.

Barca said Kenosha could be vital if Fiat was looking to produce their own brand of vehicles in the United States.

“I think they know the quality of the workforce here,” Barca said, referring to Fiat’s relationship with the CNH Global tractor factory in Racine. “Chrysler moving forward with this announcement handicaps us, but given Kenosha’s long tradition in the auto industry, we just have to fight twice as hard.”

Bosman also hoped Fiat officials would recognize the $16.8 million in aid to Chrysler that state and local governments pledged to provide two years ago.

“We are willing and able to upgrade the facility, cooperate with them and help them maintain a presence here in Kenosha.”