Reprinted with permission from the Vincennes Sun-Commercial newspaper
March 28, 2024
SOUTHERN INDIANA — Indiana First Region’s READI 2.0 application was submitted to the state Feb. 16.
The Indiana First Region, which includes Harrison, Knox, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties, have capitalized on the first round of READI funding by leveraging its $15 million grant to attract as much as $155 million in total regional investments.
Grant funds are accelerating projects the five-county region has prioritized, which include talent attraction, business development, development viability, housing, and quality of life and place.
“The shortage of quality, workforce housing in our region is among the greatest challenges to economic growth,” said Chris Pfaff, Chairman of the Indiana First Committee. “The Indiana First region is focusing our efforts to address these gaps, in addition to other strategic priorities.”
With the initial round of READI, a comprehensive regional strategy is in development. The region has hosted input sessions to assess quality-of-life needs. These meetings drew more than 80 distinct anchor organizations and stakeholders. As a result, these focus group efforts developed a vision and goals for the next ten years and beyond. The Indiana First Region estimates private capital investments of more than $445 million to leverage the $74.9 million READI 2.0 grant request. This will provide the Indiana First Region an overall impact of more than $656 million.
By increasing the availability of shovelready sites, launching efforts to develop innovation and residential development, and more, the region plans to capitalize on the READI grant funds and accelerate the quality-of-life investments throughout the region.
For more information on the Indiana First Region and to stay up to date on the success of 1.0 projects, visit: https://swidc.org/regional-strategy/indiana-first/