Making West Central Indiana a Place of Thriving Opportunity

West Central Indiana is historically robust as the Crossroads of America

And, as we celebrate our history and significance to the State of Indiana, we embrace the opportunity to chart our future and help Indiana compete globally. Close to the Illinois border, West Central Indiana is seizing new opportunities unique to our geographic position as we continue to build momentum in various economic development and quality of place initiatives.

about wabash river rda

Transforming
by the Day

​A new energy of innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration, and commitment to success, driven by a competitive spirit with our neighboring state, is changing the course, and therefore, the future of Indiana’s western communities. The vision is simple: create a place where people want to spend their most precious resource – time. The communities are working together to develop their best attributes, creating a regional environment where people want to live and visit.

CLAY COUNTY

The Home of Popcorn

A stop on the National Heritage Road, Clay County has historical significance beyond West Central Indiana. The home of Orville Redenbacher and Indiana’s Popcorn Festival, Brazil highlights the heritage of Indiana’s official snack food.

PARKE COUNTY

The Covered Bridge Capital

Parke County is home to the largest outdoor festival in the United States, taking place over the course of seven days. People from all over the Midwest travel to Parke County to experience the fall feels of the Covered Bridge Festival.

SULLIVAN COUNTY

The Camping Destination

Known for being a camping destination, Sullivan County continues to make unique investments setting its home-like camping amenities apart from others. Sullivan Lake is not only meant for campers, but swimmers, boating enthusiasts, and fishermen alike.

VERMILLION COUNTY

Little Italy in the Hoosier State

That’s Clinton. Each Labor Day weekend people from all over Indiana and Illinois join Vermillion County residents, ready to experience a version of Italy’s finest offerings, such as real Italian cuisine and the finest wines Italy has to offer.

VIGO COUNTY

The Heart of Renaissance

Another word, rebirth. From new cultural destinations to a revitalized downtown and unique tourism attractions, Terre Haute has made a lot of changes in the last five years. New restaurants. New museums. New venues. New opportunities.

READI

It's An Exciting Time to be in West Central Indiana

The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) is a bold, initiative that will dedicate $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments to attract talent and growth to Indiana. Through the Wabash River RDA, West Central Indiana was recently awarded $20 million

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Latest READI News

Thrive West Central awards $442,000 for READI and $685,000 for ARPA.

Vigo County

West Central Indiana: Thrive West Central leverages over $27.6 million in private sector development and awards $442,000 for READI and $685,000 for ARPA, totaling $1,127,000 for housing development. Thrive West Central is continuing to pave the way to the future of sustainable housing with its “Homes for the Future” program. This initiative focuses on producing quality, age-friendly homes throughout West Central Indiana, addressing the region's burgeoning demand for sustainable, future-ready housing.

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Wabash River RDA releases READI 2.0 application guidelines

Regional

West Central Indiana: The Wabash River Regional Development Authority (RDA) announces the process for READI 2.0 as they release application guidelines and begin accepting questions from stakeholders within the communities it represents: Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties.

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Wabash River RDA looks forward to READI 2.0

Regional

The Wabash River Regional Development Authority (RDA) is a local organization focused on strengthening the quality of life in communities.

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