The E-REP team, on behalf of the Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (SWIRDA), has been participating in weekly training sessions with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and Ernst & Young (EY).
EY is contracted with IEDC to facilitate the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) compliance components of the READI program. The main sessions concluded at the end of February with additional training on the grants management system slated for late March. Training session topics have included:
• Grants management and treasury reporting guidelines
• Economic Development
• Economic Impact Modeling
• Project management and execution
• Grant management tool introduction and training
• Performance Indicators and promoting equitable outcomes
The E-REP team has hosted the IEDC in the Evansville Region to share the overall vision of the Regional Development plan.
The E-REP team will meet with the IEDC monthly to engage in strategy conversations regarding plan priorities and implementation. Updates to the process and timeline of fund disbursement will continue to be posted on E-REP’s website under the READI tab. Updates will be built out in greater detail as the partnership with IEDC is solidified.
SWIRDA will hold monthly board meetings throughout 2022 to ensure proactive governance and administration of the READI program within the Evansville Region. The next meeting is March 16 at 8:45 a.m. CT at Innovation Pointe, 318 Main St., Evansville, IN 47708.
READI Criteria and Guidelines
• The funds are being disbursed under the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”), which provides detailed guidance on the usage of funds. E-REP is working with the IEDC to understand what the full state and federal requirements are in advance of administering any public call for projects in our region.
• READI funds are not to exceed 20% of project/program costs. Generally, other sources of funding are expected to come from 20% local, public-sector match and 60% from private sources – i.e. community foundations, debt capital, private investments.
• At a regional level, projects and programs will need to align with the Regional Development plan goals (page 27) and vision (page 40) which can be found here.
This is an exciting time for our region! E-REP will continue to share information as it becomes available and applicable to the Evansville Region.
Pictured Front Row: Jim Ryan, Tim Hollander, Beth McFadin Higgins, Steve Greenley. Back Row: Greg Wathen, Audrie Burkett, G. Michael Shopmeyer, Tara Barney