Indiana Uplands announces READI funding recipients

December 20, 2022

Monday, December 19, 2022 05:06 PM EDTUpdated: Monday, December 19, 2022 08:17 PM EDT
By Wes Mills, Content Manager
READI funding will support infrastructure investment for the WestGate@Crane Technology Park (photo courtesy of Regional Opportunity Initiatives)
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Indiana Uplands READI Steering Committee says it has awarded a majority of its $30 million grant it received from the state’s $500 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). The organization says it is committing $24.6 million to projects in the 11-county region that intends to grow “vibrancy and vitality” through economic development projects. “READI is allowing this region to build upon opportunities, to advance industry innovations, develop the talent needed for a technology-driven workforce, and create the assets and amenities that make this a great place for people to live, work and play,” said Tina Peterson, president and CEO of Regional Opportunity Initiatives. ROI says the $30 million READI funding will deliver more than $860 million in private and public investment to expand and enhance innovation, talent, and place across the region. The organization says $10 million has been committed to the infrastructure needs for the WestGate@Crane Technology Park near Odon. Officials broke ground on the $84 million microelectronics campus earlier this month. The says the tech park, located near Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division – will power the growth of Indiana’s semiconductor industry. The ROI says another $9 million will be committed to increase the supply of houses in the region. So far, approximately $7 million was earmarked for five projects that will create 320 housing units in Bloomington, Jasper, Spencer, French Lick, and near WestGate@Crane. Another $3.5 million has been designated towards 14 projects that will help attract and retain workforce. The Indiana Uplands region encompasses Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen, and Washington counties. Click here to learn details about the projects receiving funds.