East Central Indiana counties accepting project ideas to seek $50 million in state development funding

Mike Emery, (Richmond) Palladium-Item

Sunday, July 18, 2021 7:52 PM

To submit ideas for READI

Ideas may be submitted online at forgeeci.com/readi. Submissions will be accepted through noon July 30

RICHMOND — Seven East Central Indiana counties are collaborating to apply for $50 million in state funding.

Now, the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership needs project ideas to include in its application, according to a news release.

Wayne County has joined Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay and Randolph counties to prepare a Regional Development Plan and apply for up to $50 million funding for regional projects through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).

The seven-county group will identify projects and programs that will strengthen communities and make East Central Indiana a competitive choice for talent and economic growth. Ideal projects will need to make positive developments in areas concerning quality of place, quality of life, quality of opportunity, innovation, entrepreneurship and talent attraction and development.

Project examples could be improving infrastructure, adding workforce housing developments, revitalizing blighted or vacant properties and enhancing cultural amenities. Alternatively, projects could be sustainable, multi-year programs such as talent-attraction initiatives, public-private partnerships to advance industry innovation and small business support services.

Peru, Miami County and regional leaders discuss growth opportunities possibilies offered through state's READI economic effort
North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council applies for READI on behalf of Cass, Clinton, Fulton, Howard, Miami and Tipton counties

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