STATEHOUSE (Dec. 15, 2021) – Communities across all 17 regions in Indiana will receive $500 million as part of a new, innovative state grant aimed at increasing quality of life and attracting top talent, according to State Reps. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomfield) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville).
On Tuesday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced $30 million will go to counties in Southern Indiana, including Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen and Washington. The communities, led by the Indiana Uplands Region, submitted a regional development plan as part of a competitive grant process through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development or READI initiative.
"Our neck of the woods is already in a strong position thanks to NSA Crane and its regional defense contractors' $1 billion annual economic impact," Ellington said. "The Indiana Uplands proposal combines all of Southwest Central Indiana's best features – from its natural and cultural attractions to the research and advanced manufacturing taking place here – to build on its success for years to come."
During the 2021 legislative session, Borders supported making a record investment in READI in order to encourage communities to partner and create a plan for the future.
"There's a lot of momentum in Southern Indiana and these grant funds will go a long way to make sure it keeps growing well into the future," Borders said. "The best is yet to come, and I'm excited to see what these partnerships develop to make this state an even better place to live and work."
Regional development plans across the state 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 the state investment.
Click here for a full list of READI award recipients and visit iedc.in.gov to learn more about the READI initiative.
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State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45, which includes
all of Sullivan County and portions of Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomfield) represents House District 62, which includes
portions of Greene, Monroe, Martin and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
