STATEHOUSE (April 12, 2024) – East Central Indiana will receive $35 million as part of a state-led effort to support local quality of place and quality of life initiatives, according to State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown).
Recently, Indiana awarded $500 million to 15 regions representing all 92 counties statewide through the expansion of the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI 2.0. The East Central Indiana region, led by the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, includes Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph and Wayne counties.
"Indiana is in a strong financial position to make these transformative investments because of years of fiscal responsibility and conservative budgeting. Raising our region's quality of life and quality of place is critical to our growth and success," Prescott said. "Whether it's expanding child care options, increasing mental health access or boosting skills training, I look forward to seeing local residents and communities directly benefit from these investments."
Local legislators supported the funding in the state's two-year budget during the 2023 legislative session. Indiana's total investment in this round of funding is expected to yield nearly $11 billion in overall investments from public and private sources to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.
"With East Central Indiana close to multiple universities, there is great potential to attract more residents and strengthen our region," Rowray said. "Investing in projects that benefit and develop communities of all sizes will ensure a brighter future for our state."
Earlier this year, 15 regions submitted proposals outlining their vision for the future as well as growth strategies and action plans to improve its quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity. An external review committee evaluated the applications based on a variety of factors, including economic development potential, alignment with the state’s priorities, such as population growth, per capita income growth, growth in employment opportunities, educational attainment, housing units developed, childcare capacity and innovation activities as well as the level of focus on rural communities, and the degree of regional collaboration.
To learn more about the READI 2.0 program, visit indianareadi.com or https://forgeeci.com/readi/.
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State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
