Local lawmakers: Hendricks County ready to grow with record state investment

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 17, 2021) – Communities across all 17 regions in Indiana will receive $500 million as part of a new, innovative state grant aimed at increasing quality of life and attracting top talent, according to Hendricks County state representatives.  

On Tuesday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced $20 million will go to Boone, Hendricks, Johnson Putnam, Montgomery and Morgan counties. The communities, led by the 180 Alliance, submitted a regional development plan as part of a competitive grant process through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development or READI initiative.

“This investment will help every corner of Indiana grow, especially our smaller and more rural communities,” said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “Ensuring every town, city and county has the opportunity to implement innovative programs is key to making our state stand out and attract the best and brightest.”

During the 2021 legislative session, Thompson and State Reps. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) and Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) supported making a record investment in READI in order to encourage communities to partner and create a plan for the future.

“Hendricks County is growing, and we are going to seize every opportunity to continue our momentum,” Steuerwald said. “These grants will be strategically invested to further propel our communities forward and I look forward to seeing the plans for our region come to fruition.”

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

“Our proximity to the Indianapolis airport, our capital city and nearby state parks already makes our region a unique place to call home,” Behning said. “By working with nearby counties, our communities will be able to invest in innovative ideas that set Indiana apart states throughout the country.”  

Click here for a full list of READI award recipients and visit iedc.in.gov to learn more about the READI initiative.