Note to the press: Please include the following statements from Southern Indiana 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) – "These grant dollars will help promote regional job growth and improve our overall quality of life. I'm excited about the future of our communities, and believe our best days are yet to come," said State Rep. J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem).
"This partnership between the state and local communities will enhance the lives of Hoosiers and drive economic growth throughout southeast Indiana. Business is booming in our state and innovative initiatives like the READI grant program will keep our momentum going. I look forward to seeing our region continue to thrive with new investments," said State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown).
"Southern Indiana is poised for economic growth and development, and these grants will help propel our communities forward. Because of more than a decade of fiscal responsibility, we can strategically invest in programs like READI that will have a significant return on investment now and into the future," said State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown).
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. J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem) represents House District 73, which includes
Washington County, and portions of Orange, Lawrence, Jackson, Clark and Harrison counties.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes most of Harrison County, along with portions of Clark and Floyd counties.
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State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) represents House District 66, which includes
all of Scott County, most of Jefferson County and northeastern Clark County.
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