READI received more than 170 projects

READI 2.0 applications are due in late February.

The East Central region has plenty of projects lined up for its application.

East Central Indiana Regional Partnership reported that the eight-county East Central Region collectively submitted more than 170 projects as the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 initiative.

Jay County Commissioners last month declared development of the 68 acres acquired by Jay County earlier this year as the county's priority for READI 2.0.

A majority of the submitted projects will be included in the regional development plan for the East Central Region, a recent press release from East Central Indiana Regional Partnership indicated.

The READI 2.0 application will focus on priority projects that align with “key performance indicators” set by Indiana Economic Development Corporation, including population growth, per-capita income growth and educational attainment. Applications are due to the state by Feb. 23.

The East Central Region includes Jay, Randolph, Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Wayne and Fayette counties.

“We still have work to do as we put the finishing touches on our READI 2.0 application, but I am energized and encouraged by the progress we have made working together to develop a shared vision, goals and strategies for East Central Indiana,” said Trevor Friedeberg, president and CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership in the release. “I am eager to share our final plan with the IEDC and continue to strengthen our partnership that will have a meaningful positive impact on our region for years to come.”  

The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership has been working on plans for READI 2.0 throughout the year, including workshops in each of the counties in the region. Those were followed by regional workshops to continue honing in on goals. There were also two surveys that received more than 3,000 responses.

“The level of engagement and commitment from participants has been truly remarkable,” said Friedeberg. “I am thrilled with how participants have stepped up to support the process because they believe in the potential of the region.”

Through those efforts, the region set a focus on quality of life, housing and infrastructure, childcare and support for families, and education and opportunity.

Launched in 2021 by Gov. Eric Holcomb, READI 1.0 provided $500 million statewide for projects in infrastructure, job growth and quality of life. Another $500 million has been allocated for READI 2.0, with regional grants to be announced in April.  

The East Central Region was awarded $15 million through READI 1.0. Projects in Jay County that received funding through READI 1.0 were the Salamonia Schoolhouse and Jay County Early Learning Center.