Gibson County joins Warrick, Posey and Vanderburgh in chase for Regional Cities money

County council members approved a resolution joining with the other three counties to form a regional development authority that would oversee projects if the Southwestern Indiana Regional Development Authority wins funding for any of the proposals in the communities.

Among the projects to be presented by the Aug. 31 deadline is new student housing for Oakland City University on Main Street in Oakland City

Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana Executive Director Greg Wathen told council members Tuesday that the OCU project would help revitalize the downtown area of Oakland City if it is approved, with construction of multi-purpose buildings that would include first floor stores/businesses, with two upper floors of student housing.

It’s one of several proposed among the four counties, including Evansville’s investment in an Indiana University School of Medicine campus.

Wathen said two regions will be chosen from across the state for the $84 million in funding earmarked for strategic investments to attract and retain talent.

Applications from each regional development authority must be presented by Aug. 31. Wathen said presentations on the proposed projects will be made in October and a decision will be made by Christmas.

The council unanimously approved the resolution, which forms the regional development authority. Wathen said statute provides for a five-member board which cannot include elected or government officials.