STATEHOUSE (Dec. 17, 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 Johnson County state representatives.
On Tuesday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced $20 million will go to Boone, Hendricks, Johnson Putnam, Montgomery and Morgan counties. The communities, led by the 180 Alliance, submitted a regional development plan as part of a competitive grant process through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development or READI initiative.
"Collaborative efforts like this one can help communities pool resources and tackle projects more effectively," said State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland). "Our region is poised to implement innovative ideas that will help make the Hoosier state a top destination for visitors, new residents and businesses."
During the 2021 legislative session, Davis and State Reps. John Young (R-Franklin) and Chis May (R-Bedford) supported making a record investment in READI in order to encourage communities to partner and create a plan for the future.
"Our communities are in a strong position to invest in resources and programs that will attract the best and the brightest to our state," Young said. "By partnering with surrounding counties, we can stretch our dollars further, and take key steps to develop our region as a hub for Hoosier employees and employers to plant their roots and make Indiana their home."
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. May said the plans enumerated a nearly 10:1 capitalization leverage ratio from private and public sources as compared to the state investment.
"Our region is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage," May said. "This initiative brought together regional stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the future and will only help ensure more Hoosiers call it home."
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. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of
Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
