(Indianapolis, IN) - A statewide economic development grant was announced Thursday that will impact all 92 counties across Indiana.

 

A program called the Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, is doling out $500 million to 15 regions across the state. The funds will go towards projects to help improve housing, infrastructure, parks, and workforce development. This is the second round of READI grant funding in the past several years.

 

Local projects will be required to chip in some matching dollars, but they’ll also be eligible for a share of an additional $250 million from the Lilly Endowment.

 

The seven counties in northwest Indiana, including La Porte, were awarded $45 million. Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties also received $45 million.

 

The state’s Economic Development Corporation will now coordinate with each of the 15 areas to identify regionally significant capital and infrastructure projects for investment.