West Central Indiana – The Wabash River Regional Development Authority (RDA) publicly voted on and announced the regional projects that are awarded READI dollars. Twenty-four projects spanning across Clay, Knox, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties received funds totaling $20 million dollars from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Each project collectively works to advance the region’s quality of life and talent attraction and retention efforts. The Wabash River RDA has been working closing with the IEDC on funding roll-out since receiving the funds in December 2021.
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The IEDC’s READI program is a matching grant program in which regions we’re required to submit projects with matching dollars behind them. Projects with private investments were essential in furthering the region’s proposal. The list below identifies the match required by the IEDC for each category of project.

“This is a historic day for West Central Indiana,” said Greg Goode, President of the Wabash River RDA. “Over the last 7 years, our region has been working to find opportunities to best position us for the future. These projects, and this $20 million, reflect our regional synergy and momentum, and each of these projects help advance West Central Indiana.”

The projects awarded are as follows:

• Billie Creek Village - $250,000 - 3:1 Match
  • An exciting rehabilitation of a treasured historic town in Parke County. Through this rehabilitation effort, Billie Creek Village will become a tourist destination combining its historical buildings and covered bridges with shopping, food and family fun.
• City of Sullivan Central Plaza - $1,500,000 - 2:1 Match
  • Central Plaza Pavilion - a structure built to provide outdoor entertainment and outdoor community events. An aquatic feature will be an integral aspect of Central Plaza by serving as a water attraction designed for everyone.
• City of Sullivan City Pool - $1,000,000 - 2:1 Match
  • A revitalization of the Sullivan City Pool. The new pool will be home to a pool house, main pool, two rock climbing walls, a lily pad walk, diving boards, two slides, and a kiddy-pool. The pool deck and concession stands will encourage all to enjoy this outdoor space.
• City of Sullivan Housing Project - $800,000 - 2:1 Match
  • Through this project, the City will develop 40 new homes - town homes, duplexes, and single-family homes - in the $180,000 to $250,000 range, drawing on Sullivan’s unique small town approach, while showcasing modern amenities and niche neighborhood concepts.
• City of Terre Haute Rea Park - $50,000 - 2:1 Match
  • Restoration of the historic clubhouse into an all-inclusive activity/social center, including tennis courts, pickle ball facilities, a golf academy, a running/walking trail around the park, and a park space for picnickers with playground equipment and a health and wellness facility.
• Clinton Water Feature - $250,000 - 2:1 Match
  • To continue to build our region’s quality of life and place, the City of Clinton looks to create a fun, inexpensive activity for families and visitors who visit the community through the addition of an interactive water feature located in Riverside Park.
• Courtyard + Residence Inn and Parking Garage - $4,300,000 - 4:1 Match
  • Through the development of the Courtyard + Residence Inn, Downtown Terre Haute will create a tourist friendly destination by providing luxurious options for visitors as they venture to Terre Haute for sporting events at the local colleges and university, for concerts at our numerous venues, for trips to the museums, for conventions at the Terre Haute Convention Center, and much more. This venture is a necessity for encouraging additional tourism in West Central Indiana.
• Design and Innovation Studio (Vincennes University) - $100,000 - 2:1 Match
  • The IN-MaC Design and Innovation Studio (DIS) provides a variety of opportunities for schools, educators, students, and industry to discover new ways to explore design thinking, problem-solving, technology, and creative skill sets. Developing and offering industry-education activities and curriculum for users to cultivate the next generation of high-tech thinkers and doers.
• Diversity and Career Center/School of Health Sciences - $1,000,000 - 2:1 Match
  • A critical aspect to retaining talent in the West Central Indiana region, Ivy Tech’s new Diversity & Career Center will further their ability to create an educational environment for all, preparing students to enter the workforce. In addition, these funds will help initiatives to support future healthcare professionals for employers in the Wabash Valley.
• Early Learning Center (Indiana State University) - $1,000,000 - 2:1 Match
  • In partnership with the Vigo County School Corporation, the renovation of the Chestnut Building will allow ISU to increase capacity for early childhood education, creating a co-design model that positions West Central Indiana as leaders in early childhood education.
• Homes for the Future Pilot Program - $1,800,000 - 4:1 Match
  • Essentially a pilot program for homebuilders enticing them to build homes in West Central Indiana. After an RFP grant cycle, chosen homebuilders could request up to ten percent of the building cost to cover infrastructure. This program emphasizes a focus on homebuilders building homes at market rate, allowing homebuyers to seek successful funding at appraised value.
• READI Grant Administration - $530,000
  • As the projects within this READI application move forward, the Wabash River RDA is partnering with various organizations to manage the grant administration responsibilities, serve as fiscal agent, and provide legal services. These entities report directly to the Wabash River RDA and will enable the RDA to be competitive for future grant opportunities representing West Central Indiana.
• Rose-Hulman Ventures Movement - $1,500,000 - 3:1 Match
  • The relocation of Rose-Hulman Ventures to be on Rose-Hulman’s main campus and prepare for the future development of the Research and Development Farm. Ventures is currently located six miles away from the main campus on a beautiful 100-acre campus on the southeast side of Terre Haute. Through this project, Rose-Hulman will construct a new campus for Ventures at the corner of SR 46 and SR 42 and will design a space that can be utilized to its full capacity.
• Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Equine Event Center - $1,500,000 - 3:1 Match
  • The SMWC Equine Event Center - This phased project will allow equine enthusiasts from across the Midwest and beyond to participate in events in West Central Indiana. Celebrating SMWC’s role in the equine industry both academically and programmatically offers them a unique perspective and opportunity to engage tourists interested in this industry.
• Sports Complex and East Side Aquatic Center - $50,000 - 2:1 Match
  • A feasibility study to determine the impact that a sports complex and aquatic center will have on the region, developing a scope of the project and furthering previously identified action items in regards to the development of a Terre Haute Multi-Sports Complex and Waterpark.
• Sullivan Hotel Project - $1,000,000 - 4:1 Match
  • The project will take place at the heart of Sullivan in its downtown, adjacent to the new Sullivan Civic Center. Operators of the new facility plan to work with Sullivan Mayor Clint Lamb and others to ignite new opportunities in the Civic Center, which will in turn draw additional overnight visitors.
• Swope Art Museum - $150,000 - 3:1 Match
  • The renovated space will serve as a flexible space for art classes for all ages started as young as 2, and a space for gatherings, fundraisers, and workshops, and also expand reach of offerings and capacity for visitors, bringing art, culture and celebration to all. In addition, these funds will be utilized to create ADA accessibility to all the Swope Art Museum offers to the community and beyond.
• Terre Haute Children’s Museum Outdoor Space - $50,000 - 3:1 Match
  • A feasibility study to determine the scope of a play area for kids complete with climbing walls and other playground equipment as well as permanent seating where families can sit and enjoy the outdoors. On a grander scale, this outdoor space could potentially result in guests visiting other downtown businesses, like restaurants and shopping.
• The Mill - $200,000 - 4:1 Match
  • A state-of-the-art performance structure that would allow for the largest national touring acts to perform. A design iconic in nature while still matching the aesthetic of the venue property and its historic past. This structure and design would allow for in-house sound and production that could lead to lower ticket costs for guests, bringing in a bigger crowd. Ultimately, however, these funds will be used to create ADA accessibility for all those who desire to enjoy this new complex.
• The William Henry Harrison Presidential Mansion - $2,000,000 - 3:1 Match
  • The $10 million William Henry Harrison Presidential Mansion and Visitors Center project is a significant investment in the preservation of Indiana’s history. The new 15,000 square foot Harrison Presidential Visitors Center will welcome visitors to explore the history of the local surroundings and gain an understanding of the historical importance of the State of Indiana.
• Turn to the River - $150,000 - 3:1 Match
  • Turn to the River is a multi-year project of Art Spaces, Inc. to reconnect Terre Haute’s downtown with the Wabash River through public art and design. Turn to the River offers a strong model of collaboration and placemaking that engages the community, links to economic development and other river-related improvement projects, inspires new ideas, and offers a comprehensive vision for an important and historical downtown area.
• Wilma and Liston Buell Community Center - $220,000 - 3:1 Match
  • Recreation, Education, Information and Nutrition. These four ideologies are what REIN Coalition aims to provide West Central Indiana. Since 2009, REIN has strived to create a new and unique community center to create a space capable for a variety of services including meeting space, housing a large food pantry, events like graduation parties, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and much more.
• West Central Indiana Business Hub - $500,000 - 3:1 Match
  • In 2020, the West Central Indiana Business Hub was created as a comprehensive business resource for all business-related development in the West Central Indiana region. Composed of more than a dozen organizational partners in West Central Indiana, each provides expertise and services to help business grow and prosper. Consider this, the one-stop-shop for businesses to thrive in the region.
• West Terre Haute Clinic and Pharmacy - $100,000 - 3:1 Match
  • This new clinic in West Terre Haute, furthers the mission and vision of Valley Professionals Community Health Center to improve access to comprehensive quality health care and enhance the overall well-being of the communities they serve. Most importantly, it’s meant to advance, in a positive way, the health metrics of West Central Indiana, offering a new destination for those seeking health care.

Over the next two years, the Wabash River RDA, alongside the IEDC, will work alongside project stakeholders on project timelines and updates. When the RDA submitted the READI proposal in the fall of 2021, over 40 projects were included in the funding ask. The RDA remains committed to all the projects submitted within the proposal, understanding that more work will be done as a region to bring them all to fruition.

“We recognize that we have more work to do,” continued Goode. “Each of the projects in our READI proposal were included because they were and remain a priority. The RDA is devoted to finding resources, funding, and additional opportunities to assist as best we can.”

For more information about the RDA, and to follow project updates, visit us on Facebook.

Tribune-Star - The six county region in the Wabash River Development Authority has been awarded $20 million as part of the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), which is a $500 million grant program run by the state and funded by federal COVID-19 funds.

The Wabash River region submitted more than $73 million in funding requests. The state previously announced each region would get up to $50 million.

"I am excited we got $20 million but a little bit disappointed that we did not get the full $50 million," said Vigo County Commissioner Chris Switzer.

"I know all the county leaders and city leaders and private investors put forth a lot of effort to get this done. We will work with $20 million and try to invest it as well as possible and continue to grow Vigo County and our region," he said.

"Now will be the tough part to pick which projects we can match with," Switzer added.

The Wabash River Regional Development Authority covers Vigo, Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Knox counties. The Wabash River RDA’s requests include those on behalf of higher education institutions, public schools, libraries, museums, non-profits and public/private projects.

Among the projects originally submitted to the state through the Wabash River Development Authority are a $59 million dual-branded Courtyard and Residence Inn in downtown Terre Haute. Others include a $40 million Sports Center and East Side Aquatic feature, and a $28.5 million Fabrication, Innovation, Technology, and Engineering Center through the Vigo County School Corp.

All projects require local matching funds.

The awards were announced Wednesday by Gov. Eric Holcomb and the the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

Indiana received $512 million from the American Rescue Plan of 2021, earmarking $500 million to the READI grant program.

Jason Dudich, vice president for finance and administration at the University of Indianapolis, and a citizen volunteer for the READI Review Committee, said 60 percent of the funding went to seven applicants in six regions that represent 71 percent of the state's population.

The READI review committee, an external seven-member citizen committee, reviewed and scored the plans based on the established guidelines and against other relevant data, including historical population trends.

The awards include:

• $50 million Northeast Indiana RDA
• $50 million to Northwest IN Forum
• $50 million to Southern Indiana RDA
• $50 million South Bend - Elkhart RDA Northern Indiana
• $50 million to Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority
• $30 million Greater Lafayette Region: Greater Lafayette Commerce Community and Economic Development Foundation
• $30 million The Indiana Uplands Region: Regional Opportunity Initiatives, Inc.
• $30 million South Central Indiana Talent Region
• $30 million to North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council (NCIRPC)
• $20 million to Wabash River Regional Development Authority
• $20 million to White River Regional Opportunity Initiative: Central Indiana Regional Development Authority c/o Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization
• $20 million 180 Alliance
• $20 million Accelerate Rural Indiana
• $15 million Indiana First Region: Southwest Indiana Development Council (SWIDC)
• $15 million Southeast Indiana
• $15 million East Central Indiana Regional Partnership
• $5 million to 70-40-Greater Mount Comfort Corridor Region: Hancock County Economic Development Council

The total requests were three times the allocated $500 million, as submissions from the 17 regions amounted to more than $1.5 billion and detailed nearly 800 projects and programs with a potential investment of $15.2 billion.

“The seventeen regions submitted innovative, creative and visionary projects that will result in a positive economic impact on Indiana’s future,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb.

The governor called the READI grants a "rising tide that lifts all boats....These project are adding up all over Indiana at the same time. We are turning our blue prints into beauty."

The regional redevelopment plans included housing, trails, broadband, childcare and wellness initiatives, workforce development programs, and telling Indiana’s story to the world. The plans enumerated a nearly 10:1 capitalization leverage ratio from private and public sources as compared to state investment.

Holcomb earlier this month said he will request a second round of funding for READI grants in 2023, when lawmakers craft the state’s next two-year budget.

Reporter Howard Greninger can be reached 812-231-4204 or howard.greninger@tribstar.com. Follow on Twitter@TribStarHoward.

West Central Indiana – The Wabash River Regional Development Authority (RDA) submitted its comprehensive READI proposal this week, totaling nearly $300 million in projects for West Central Indiana.

Through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) tasked regions across the state to submit proposals with idea-ready and shovel-ready projects that address the overall quality of life for their region. The Wabash River RDA submitted projects spanning Clay, Knox, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties with over $73 million in matching READI asks.

“Our application is a compilation of 42 unique projects,” states Greg Goode, President of the Wabash River RDA. “Each project is categorized into workforce development, tourism and quality of life, and entrepreneurship and innovation.”

West Central Indiana’s proposal is one of 18 regional proposals expected to be submitted. The IEDC plans to award $500 million in funding across the state. With the IEDC’s advice to utilize regional planning efforts and creative visions for the future, the Wabash River RDA submitted its proposal knowing it was bold and transformational.

“Understanding every state agency will play a role in the funding efforts over time, we didn’t want to sell our region short,” states Goode. “Our proposal demonstrates our region’s ability to uniquely compete and offer the state a profitable return on investment.”

Under the ‘workforce development’ section, projects address talent attraction and retention, specifically in terms of educational opportunities, library expansions, and career pathways. The section also includes four housing projects, each unique, as well as a project dedicated to access to quality healthcare and the important role it has in attracting workforce to the region.

The ‘tourism and quality of life’ section narrates a range of projects including aquatic features and community pools, a sports complex, museum expansions and updates, community centers, regional wayfinding, hotel projects to cater to the increase in visitors, and more.

The projects within the ‘entrepreneurship and innovation’ section include diverse projects that present a range of solutions which encourage start-ups and entrepreneurism and attract regional investment.

The Wabash River RDA’s proposal was submitted under a regional umbrella comprising of the Wabash River RDA, Thrive West Central, and West Central 2025. Together, the three regional organizations are dedicated to creating the best region to live, work, and play.

“Our region prepared for this opportunity for some time,” continues Goode. “This proposal was truly a collaborative effort with compiled planning over the last three years. So many leaders in our region came together creating the data, foundation, and projects to create such a transformational vision. This proposal showcases the best of West Central Indiana and energizes us for all the great things to come.”

The IEDC expects to make their decision on which regions will receive funding by the end of the year.

Thrive West Central