Note to the press: Please include the following statements from State Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City), Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Denny Zent (R-Angola) 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) – "We've long recognized the benefits of working together here in Northeast Indiana, and we'll use this funding to continue building momentum. These grants are just one more way to help drive people to our area by offering them the things they desire most – a quality place to live and raise a family. These efforts are ongoing and we look forward to a brighter future," said State Rep. David Abbott.
"When millions of dollars of investment encourages billions of dollars in returns for Hoosiers, Indiana wins. Our state, and Northeast Indiana in particular, is fertile ground to attract potential businesses, and now is the perfect time to capitalize. We've been awarded a significant amount of funding, and I look forward to seeing the results. The proposal committee did a great job laying out a strong vision and expectations for the future," said State Rep. Ben Smaltz.
"The READI grant funding will be a real difference maker in our communities. Housing investment, infrastructure, regional marketing, talent attraction and workforce development are just a few of the areas the region is targeting. This is a great opportunity and we're expecting an incredible return on investment," said State Rep. Denny Zent.
The Northeast Indiana RDA led the proposal process and was awarded $50 million. The group represents an 11-county area consisting of Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties.
Click here for a copy of the governor's announcement and full list of award recipients.
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State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 82, which includes
all of Noble County and portions of Allen, Elkhart, LaGrange and Whitley counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52, which
includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Steuben and Allen counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes most of LaGrange and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
