Accelerate Rural Indiana Coalition Seeks Funding

(photo courtesy of Mainstreet Shelbyville Inc.)

A coalition of counties and communities along the I-74 corridor southeast of Indianapolis has submitted a $50 million funding request to the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program. Accelerate Rural Indiana says its request would support $866 million in projects and programs to build-up communities and workforce in the region.

The organization is comprised of Batesville, Greensburg, Rushville, and Shelbyville along with Decatur, Rush and Shelby counties. Its application includes 40 core initiatives.

ARI says specific regional projects more and better-quality housing alternatives, improved quality of life amenities such as parks and trails, and targeted education and workforce development programming.

“We see a promising future for our region on the other side of this development plan—a future that is characterized by regional collaboration and enhanced opportunities for our area’s residents,” said Bryan Robbins, chair of the region’s steering committee.

The plan also calls for improved infrastructure, including broadband internet.