Indiana First region updates READI projects
Officials from the Indiana First READI Region have provided updates on nearly two dozen economic development projects receiving funding through the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative. The region said Friday its $15 million allocation from the state will leverage about $153 million in additional investment.
The Indiana First region represents Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties. The region was one of 17 throughout the state to receive a portion of the $500 million in READI funding in December 2021.
The region said the majority of its allocation, $7.5 million, will support public infrastructure work for nine housing developments across all five counties. The projects will create more than 290 single-family homes and 180 apartments.
“The shortage of quality, affordable housing in our region is among the greatest challenges to economic growth,” Jon Craig, chairman of the Indiana First Committee, said in written remarks. “The Indiana First region is focusing our efforts to address these gaps.”
The remainder of the funding will support additional economic and workforce development projects, as well as quality of place initiatives. They include:
- Advanced Battery Cluster (Knox) – to help attract a battery manufacturer and create a program to develop and license additional new technologies in battery technology
- Lanesville Business Park Infrastructure (Harrison) – for public infrastructure and utility expansion (gas, and wastewater capacity) to serve the site, and result in the construction of a regional distribution center, bringing up to 300 new jobs.
- Nursing Careers Program (Knox) – the sim lab expansion will help address the critical shortage of nurses throughout SW Indiana, by working with regional colleges and universities and their simulation training programs.
- Previously Mined Case Study (Pike) – to fund a planning grant allowing the Pike EDC to hire a qualified consultant to create a research a policy-based case study on redeveloping previously mined property.
- Southwest Indiana Megasite Shell Building RLF (Pike) – funds used for public infrastructure (water + wastewater), and site preparation for the project. Incremental funds from the project will be invested in a revolving loan fund for further development in park.
- Tell City Ivy Tech Career & Technology Center – Workforce Training & Enhancement Project (Perry) – project will add equipment for facility, and advanced automation and robotics, resulting in additional classroom capacity.
- Hornady Park Improvements – project will result in new playground equipment for 2-5 year-olds, swings, and another new playground for 6-12 year-olds.
- Tell City Sports Complex – upgrading and expanding the current ball field complex, including ADA improvements and better access and traffic flow
- Lincoln Amphitheater Improvements – project will renovate the entrance of the venue, and increase functionality of ingress/egress
You can learn more about the Indiana First region projects by clicking here.