Tuesday, Dec. 14, Governor Eric J. Holcomb made formal recommendations for the distribution of $500 million in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) funds to regions throughout the state of Indiana, with $50 million allocated to the Evansville Region.
“The Evansville Region has a transformational vision to become the talent and economic region of choice in the Midwest,” said Tara Barney, CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. “We thank Governor Holcomb and the IEDC for the investments across the state and their confidence in our region to execute projects that will retain the talent of today and attract the workforce of tomorrow.”
In May, Indiana launched the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), dedicating $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments for quality of place and talent attraction.
The Evansville Region responded to the READI announcement by organizing a steering committee to guide the structure of the READI plan and advancement of regional priorities. In addition to the steering committee, community visioning sessions, public input, and participation from business and educational leaders also played a crucial role in developing the region’s shared vision to accelerate both economic and population growth.
On September 23rd, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) and Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (SWIRDA) submitted the Evansville Region’s READI plan. At its core, the plan is focused on population growth and highlights near-term opportunities to be enabled by READI funding and long-term projects to support the region in fully achieving its vision.
The week of November 29th, the Evansville Region was first of 17 Indiana regions to formally present its development plan before the state’s review committee.
“I am tremendously proud of the collaboration and talent in our region to make this announcement possible today,” said Beth McFadin Higgins, chair of the Southwest Indiana Redevelopment Authority. “The Redevelopment Authority is eager to meet tomorrow morning to begin moving projects forward.”