PUBLIC STATEMENT REGARDING READI 2.0 AWARD
Under the leadership of Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Indiana has experienced four consecutive record-breaking years for job and investment commitments. To maintain this momentum and accelerate the state’s economic growth, Indiana launched the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), a bold, transformational initiative that will dedicate $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments that will make Indiana a magnet for talent and economic growth.
Through this initiative, the state will encourage neighboring counties, cities and towns to partner to create a shared vision for their future, mapping out the programs, initiatives and projects that are critical for them to retain talent today and attract the workforce of tomorrow.
READI is expected to attract at least $2 billion of local public, private and philanthropic match funding that will propel investment in Indiana’s quality of place, quality of life and quality of opportunity.
On April 28, the Indiana General Assembly adopted HB 1001, the state's biennial budget bill, which includes an additional $500 million for READI 2.0 over the next two years. These funds will allow Indiana regional partnerships to once again submit applications to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for funding projects that promote talent attraction and retention and economic growth. Signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb on May 4, these funds will be effective on July 1. Further information regarding the program's timeline and details were released on September 5, 2023.
Through the Wabash River RDA, West Central Indiana was recently awarded $20 million. The RDA is currently allocating this phase of funding to shovel-ready projects.
On April 28, the Indiana General Assembly adopted HB 1001, the state's biennial budget bill, which includes an additional $500 million for READI 2.0 over the next two years. These funds will allow Indiana regional partnerships to once again submit applications to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for funding projects that promote talent attraction and retention and economic growth.
