00;00;00;01 - 00;00;17;10
Stephanie Wiechmann
All 17 regions were awarded some portion of the $ 500 million READI grant funds. East Central Indiana's region was given 15 million. Compared to awards across the state, it's tied for the second smallest. READI Committee member Jason Dudich says the state prioritized regions that will bring expected population growth to the state.

00;00;17;15 - 00;00;37;10
Jason Dudich
Roughly 60 % of the READI funding is being awarded to seven applicants in six regions that represent approximately 71 % of the state's population. While some more rural regions are receiving smaller awards, the value of those awards on a per capita basis is significantly higher than in more urban regions.

00;00;37;15 - 00;00;58;26
Stephanie Wiechmann
The east central region has a declining and aging population. Its plan wanted to combat that, plus poverty and low wage jobs, a dwindling workforce, and limited housing options. The full region plan called for $ 375 million in projects, most funded by private and local investment. That's something the state required. Regions can't use more than 20 % of state funds on any given project.

00;00;58;28 - 00;01;14;18
Stephanie Wiechmann
Now, the region will decide what gets the state funding from proposals like broadband connectivity, new affordable housing and quality of life projects heavy on parks and walking trails. Regions in the northern and southern parts of Indiana were awarded the most grant money. Stephanie Wiechman, IPR news.