April 11, 2024 — Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) will receive $30 million from the state to solidify Interstate 74’s southeastern corridor as a top destination for talent. ARI will receive over $300 per capita of READI 2.0 investment which is the largest per capita READI investment in the state. This historic investment into one of only two exclusively rural/rural-mixed regions in Indiana will accelerate growth along the I-74 corridor and reimagine one of Indiana’s greatest assets – its rural frontier.

Today, the coalition of Batesville, Greensburg, Rushville and Shelbyville along with Decatur, Rush and Shelby counties were named a funding recipient of Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0) by Governor Eric Holcomb.

"This investment marks a pivotal moment for Shelbyville and the region at large, propelling us towards unprecedented growth and development," said Scott Furgeson, Mayor of Shelbyville. "With these resources, we'll unlock boundless opportunities, transforming our region into a beacon of innovation and prosperity for generations to come."

In 2021, ARI was awarded $20 million in READI 1.0 funding, also the highest per-capita READI award in the state. In total, the region’s READI 1.0 project portfolio is expected to attract nearly $500 million of public and private investment to the region by 2026. ARI has already disbursed nearly $10 million in funding to seven projects across the region. ARI is one of only four regions to increase their award amount from READI 1.0 to READI 2.0.

ARI’s READI 2.0 award will build upon the region’s READI 1.0 success. In February, the region submitted its READI 2.0 application which included 5 key priority areas: Rally Housing Investment, Raise Incomes, Revitalize Quality-of-Life, Reinforce Educational Attainment & Innovation, and a ‘Rural. Reimagined.’ Marketing Campaign. Utilizing input from over 3,000 residents, anchor institutions, and other key stakeholders, the contents of the application exhibit a grassroots approach to rural investment. The group will continue to utilize the plan to pursue additional funding outside of the READI program to impact each of the plan’s priorities and seize further opportunities for growth. 

 "While we had hoped for full funding, the partial support for READI 2.0 Grants is still a significant step forward for Shelby County," shared Brian Asher, executive director of Shelby County Development Corporation. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to leveraging these resources effectively, collaborating with partners, and driving sustainable growth. Even with limited funding, we will continue to work tirelessly to unlock the potential of our region and create lasting impact."

In 2023, ARI formed the Accelerate Rural Indiana Regional Development Authority (ARI RDA) to govern the region. The ARI RDA Development Board will work with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to determine which of the region’s projects will be funded with this round of READI funding.

Having previously blazed a path of rural excellence in Southeastern Indiana through READI 1.0, Accelerate Rural Indiana communities will capitalize on the $30 million READI 2.0 investment to prove that housing growth, job creation, entertainment attraction, and – most importantly – population growth in rural regions is possible.

About READI

Launched by Gov. Holcomb and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI encourages regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The $500 million READI fund was passed by legislation during the 2021 session and was divided among 17 regions. Through READI, 17 regions across the state that represent all 92 counties are moving forward with projects and programs designed to enhance Indiana’s regions for current and future generations of Hoosiers. Collectively, the state’s $500 million investment is expected to yield an additional $12 billion public, private and nonprofit dollars invested (19.72:1 investment leverage ratio) in enhancing Indiana’s quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity. During the 2023 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed an additional $500 million for READI 2.0.