Note to the press: Please include the following statements from Bartholomew County lawmakers 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. 15, 2021) – "This funding not only capitalizes on our booming economy, but will help energize our region for years to come. Our goal is to ensure communities of all sizes grow not only in population, but in terms of job and economic development opportunities," said State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville).
"South central Indiana has consistently been recognized as a leader in innovation and advanced manufacturing. This investment positions us to spur development, create opportunities for affordable housing and increase our talent pipeline," said State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus).
"Our region continues to see population and workforce growth that is outpacing the state as a whole, which increases our need for job growth and expansion. Indiana's commitment to lifting up communities, both large and small, and urban and rural, makes our state the ideal place to live, work and grow a business," said State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour).
Area READI grant award recipients include:
Click here for a copy of the governor's announcement and full list of award recipients.
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State Rep. Sean Eberhart (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 57,
which includes Shelby County and portions of Bartholomew and Hancock counties.
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State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69, which includes
portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
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