Batesville City Council hears Regional Development Authority presentation

Batesville Economic Development Director Sarah Lamping presented information to City Council Monday night about the proposed establishment of a Regional Development Authority. (WRBI Photo)

Batesville, IN — Economic Development Director Sarah Lamping made a presentation to Batesville City Council last night about establishing a Regional Development Authority for Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI).

That’s the regional partnership made up of the cities of Batesville, Greensburg, Rushville, and Shelbyville plus Decatur, Rush, and Shelby counties.

The group was awarded $20 million in READI funds by the state last year for infrastructure, education, workforce development, quality of life, and other regional priorities.

Lamping says the Regional Development Authority would act as ARI’s fiscal agent.

The Decatur County Community Foundation is currently ARI’s temporary fiscal agent.

Lamping also told council the Regional Development Authority would be governed by a board of directors, but its members cannot be elected officials or someone who works for a government entity.