(Indianapolis, IN) – The second round of Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI 2.0, is ready to roll, according to Gov. Eric Holcomb.
“Innovation knows no boundaries and there’s no limit to what can be accomplished when we work together to better the lives of Hoosiers,” Gov. Holcomb said.
“This transformative program will fund projects that lean into a region’s strengths while building community gathering places, accessible parks, performing arts centers, and expanding the trail system that will have a generational impact across each region and with every person who visits our great state,” Holcomb added. “In Indiana, there is no greater priority for us as leaders than to work in unison to improve Indiana’s standing as the best location to live, work, play, study, and stay.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) announced funding awards in December 2021, allocating READI’s $500 million to 17 regions in Indiana, and began working collaboratively with regions last year to begin designating match funding to specific, shovel-ready projects and programs.
Locally, Accelerate Rural Indiana, or ARI – which is comprised of cities of Batesville, Greensburg, Rushville, and Shelbyville plus Decatur, Rush, and Shelby counties – was awarded $20 million in READI funds, while SEI READI – made up of Ripley, Franklin, Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland, and Union counties – received $15 million.
Less than two years later, transformational investments are already underway across the state.
Details on READI 1 projects underway can be found here.
READI 2.0 projects will be focused primarily on population growth and quality-of-life investments. The initiative’s details are outlined in the timeline below:
- September 2023 – February 2024: Regions develop funding proposals;
- September 26, 2023: Q3 IEDC READI Forum in Muncie
- September 2023 – February 2024: IEDC visits each participating region to see READI 1.0 investments and discuss future vision and strategy.
- December 2023: Q4 IEDC READI Forum
- February 23, 2024: Regional proposals due to the IEDC.
- April 2024: Proposed IEDC board approval of investment commitments and allocations to regions. The exact date is to be announced at a later date.
- May 2024: IEDC begins coordination with regions in identifying regionally significant capital and infrastructure projects for investment.
Additional details on READI 2.0, including program structure, eligibility requirements, metrics, READI 2.0 goals, focus areas, application details, etc. can be found here.
Questions from the regions can also be sent to [email protected].
