Economic development officials are gearing up for READI 2.O. WNIN’s John Gibson explains:
The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, or E-REP, has announced what it calls “enthusiastic participation” in the new Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, 2.0.
The program introduced by Governor Eric Holcomb promises an additional $500 million in funding for “quality of place” projects across the state of Indiana.
Its predecessor, READI 1.0, awarded $50 million to the Evansville Region which E-Rep says has supported more than 20 transformative projects, from workforce housing in Gibson County to a riverfront strategic plan for Warrick, Vanderburgh, and Posey counties.
E-REP CEO Tara Barney says the new wave of funding will continue to build a stronger and more resilient community.
Regions are currently developing funding proposals building on the goals in the applications submitted in 2021 during READI 1.0.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will visit each participating region with a READI forum set for December.
Regional goals and proposals are due in February.