Note to the press: Please include the following statements from Delaware County legislators in your coverage of Tuesday's announcement by Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. awarding $500 million to support regional development plans across 17 regions representing all 92 counties. During the 2021 legislative session, state lawmakers made the record investment in the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative to encourage communities to partner and submit plans to increase quality of life and attract top talent. On Tuesday, the IEDC board of directors approved competitive READI grants up to $50 million in each region. The regional development plans included housing, trails, broadband, childcare and wellness initiatives, workforce development programs, and telling Indiana’s story to the world. The plans enumerated a nearly 10:1 capitalization leverage ratio from private and public sources as compared to state investment.
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16, 2021) – "This funding presents a tremendous opportunity for our communities to grow our population by creating more job opportunities and raising the quality of life. By doing so, our area can draw in and retain young talent, diversify the workforce and give our local economy a well-deserved shot in the arm," said State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).
"With several top-notch universities nearby, east central Indiana is in a great position to attract young professionals to invigorate our workforce and strengthen our region. We can clear that hurdle with the help of these READI grants, and continue to make our community a great place to work, live and play," said State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown).
"We need to be proactive in developing our rural communities in a unified way and the READI grants are a major step in that direction. Communities that work together with an eye toward the future is a surefire way to boost the quality of life for Hoosiers across the state," said State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).
"The READI grants can help our communities grow and add additional job opportunities for Hoosiers. I look forward to watching how these new developments, such as parks, local downtown renovations and workforce training programs, will stimulate our economy and attract even more people to Indiana," said State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).
Area READI grant award recipients include:
Click here for a copy of the governor's announcement and full list of award recipients.
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State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) represents House District 31, which includes
all of Blackford County and portions of Delaware, Grant and Wells counties.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
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State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33, which
includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County.
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State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32, which includes all of
Tipton County and portions of Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Howard and Grant counties.
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