Northern Indiana region gains $50 million in state READI money for projects, programs; second time in five years area wins economic dollars

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. announced Tuesday how it plans to divide $500 million among 17 regions in the state representing all of the state’s 92 counties, and the local region – representing St. Joseph, Elkhart and Marshall counties – received the maximum award of $50 million. 

“I’m thrilled, excited that the state is making this investment,” said Jeff Rea, president and CEO of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. “I thought we made a good case this time, and showed how we used the money wisely in the Regional Cities program.” 

Transformational:South Bend region aiming for a $50 million slice of state development dollars

In 2016, the three-county area received $42 million in the Regional Cities Initiative to support a wide variety of projects aimed at making the area a more desirable place to live and do business.  

The renovation of Howard Park in South Bend, the construction of the Mill at Ironworks Plaza in Mishawaka, the Elkhart Health and Aquatics center and the renovation of theaters in Goshen and Plymouth were among the many projects partially supported by the state program.