STATEHOUSE (Dec. 20, 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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) and Jake Teshka (R-South Bend).
On Tuesday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced $50 million will go to Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. The communities, led by the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Development Authority, submitted a regional development plan as part of a competitive grant process through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development or READI initiative.
"Cities and towns within our region are well-connected and have a history of working together to support the success of residents," DeVon said. "The READI program showcases exactly what communities can do when they pull together and work with all stakeholders for the sake of Hoosiers."
During the 2021 legislative session, House lawmakers supported making a record investment in READI in order to encourage communities to partner and create a plan for the future.
"There is a pool of untapped potential in the greater South Bend region, and this grant can help create new opportunities and drive economic growth for all," Teshka said. "In the next few years, we're expected to see significant population growth in the area, and these strategic investments will play an important role in attracting new talent and development to continue expanding."
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. Teshka said 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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5, which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7, which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21, which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
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