Are you ready for READI?
East Central Indiana collecting project ideas for state grant application
Local communities, businesses and non-profits are encouraged to collaborate and submit project ideas that will have a regional impact by July 30, 2021.
The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP), in partnership with local governments, economic development organizations and anchor institutions, is in the process of preparing a Regional Development Plan. This regional planning process, which includes Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph and Wayne counties, will identify strategic projects and programs that will ultimately strengthen our communities and make East Central Indiana a competitive choice for talent and economic growth. When complete, ECIRP will use the Plan to apply for up to $50 million in funding to accelerate the implementation of regional projects and programs through Indiana’s READI program.
The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) is a bold, transformational initiative that will dedicate $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments to make Indiana a magnet for talent and economic growth. Through this initiative, which is facilitated by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the state will encourage neighboring counties, cities and towns to partner in creating a shared vision for their future by mapping out potential programs, initiatives and projects that are critical to retain talent today and attract the workforce of tomorrow.
As a part of the READI process, ECIRP is encouraging local communities to propose projects and programs that, when implemented, will remove barriers to growth and advance economic activity across the region. 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.
ECIRP has created an online submission form to collect submittals that may include the improvement of infrastructure, addition of workforce housing developments, revitalization of blighted or vacant properties, and enhancement of cultural amenities. Additionally, ECIRP is looking for submittals that include the planning and execution of sustainable, multi-year programs, such as talent attraction initiatives, public-private partnerships to advance industry innovation, and small business support services.
Any organization or group that wishes to request project funding may submit their idea and supporting information through an online submission form. However, not every project or proposal submitted will be incorporated into the regional development plan. The online tool will accept submissions through noon on July 30, 2021. The ECIRP planning team will review all submissions to determine which projects will be included in the final grant submission to the State of Indiana, which is due August 31, 2021.
The online submittal form, along with information on the process and the READI program, can be found at https://forgeeci.com/readi/.
# # #
If you would like more information about the East Central Indiana Regional Development Plan or the Call for Projects, please contact Katie Clark at kclark@tswdesigngroup.com or 317-460-7830.
###
The Growth Council is also available to answer questions: Tim Eckerle | teckerle@grantcounty.com or Charity Bailey | cbailey@grantcounty.com 765-662-0650