PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING READI 2.0 AWARD
The Wabash River Regional Development Authority (RDA) is pleased to announce the closure of their application period for READI 2.0 across its five-county region—Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo. The RDA is thrilled to reveal record-breaking numbers that emphasize the region's commitment to transformative projects fostering economic prosperity.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) application for READI 2.0 funds does not include specific projects, but rather seeks a regional strategy. To guide the RDA on this regional strategy, project applications were due by February 1. The Wabash River RDA received an impressive 37 applications from various communities within the five-county region. These applications represent a collective investment of $718,350,467 in total projects, with READI funding requests reaching $119,792,158. The enthusiastic response reflects the visionary initiatives proposed by communities to elevate the region's economic landscape.
In preparation for the next phase of the READI 2.0 process, the RDA has scheduled an executive session on February 8. This session will facilitate a comprehensive review and scoring of the applications. This is not a public meeting due to its purpose for the discussion of records classified as confidential by state or federal statute.
The RDA will then submit their application to the state by February 16th. Awards for successful READI 2.0 applications are anticipated to be announced in summer of 2024. The timeline is contingent on collaboration with the IEDC, which will work with each region to finalize project selections and make regional award announcements.
Jon Ford, President of Wabash River Regional Development Authority and a devoted advocate for regional development, expressed his excitement about the unprecedented engagement in the READI 2.0 process. "The overwhelming response to READI 2.0 demonstrates the region's commitment to driving transformative change. As these dollars are invested into our counties, we anticipate large-scale private and public investments that will propel economic growth and innovation," stated Ford.
For more information on the Wabash River RDA's READI 2.0 process, please visit https://www.wabashriverrda.com/readi-2-0-application. The webpage will be continually updated to provide stakeholders and the community with the latest information on this groundbreaking initiative.
The Wabash River RDA extends its gratitude to all participating communities for their visionary proposals, marking a significant step toward a future of economic vibrancy and growth.
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Media Contact:
Danielle Isbell
Senior Director of Public Relations and Community Engagement
RJL Solutions
disbell@rjlsolutions.com
(812) 239-0498
