West Central Indiana to Apply for READI Grant

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowWest Central Indiana is planning to apply for the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative. The initiative, which was announced earlier this month by Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corp., is dedicating $500 million to promote investments that will attract economic development and talent.
West Central Indiana intends to submit a letter of intent in the coming weeks.
The partners leading the West Central region application include West Central 2025, Thrive West Central and the Wabash River Regional Development Authority.
“Indiana is uniquely positioned to make transformational investments in our communities that will catalyze economic and population growth for years to come,” said Holcomb. “READI will lead the nation in encouraging regional collaboration, and it will equip Indiana regions with the tools and resources needed to implement strategic investments in quality of place and innovation, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our state for residents and for future generations of Hoosiers.”
The partners say projects included in the application will be focused on tourism, connectivity and broadband, community needs, and workforce and innovation.
Regions are eligible to receive up to $50 million in funding.
Data collection is underway and is being facilitated by Thrive West Central via Resilient, an economic recovery and resiliency plan. The partners say the 18-month planning process was launched last year, and involves understanding the needs of the West Central region and the businesses and citizens it serves. Public forums are currently being conducted in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vigo and Vermillion counties to gather information for the plan.
You can learn more about the READI program by clicking here.