The project will install fiber-optic infrastructure to existing County-owned cellular towers that have been constructed in Washington, Jackson, and Harrison Township. 
The project will be a new phase of construction that builds off work started in January of 2021. READI funds will only be used for new phases of work. 
READI funds will be used to install conduit and fiber optic infrastructure to County-owned cellular towers in underserved townships within the County. Following the installation of fiber optic infrastructure to the cellular towers a public RFP will be issued to local service providers. Through the RFP process, service providers will be able to use the cellular towers to offer service to residential and business users. Final broadband service will likely be provided through cellular/ wireless service. 
The intended outcome is to improve reliability and improved speed in rural areas of the County.

Construction of the Grant County PAC will provide all schools in the County a place for school functions, as well as provide a regional entertainment venue for several counties in the ECI region and beyond. The project was bid in 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19 which subsequently increased construction prices. READI funds are being used to cover the additional expenses being incurred due to the delay. READI funds will be used to purchase mechanical and HVAC units for the building. The project will begin construction in July of 2022 and is projected to be completed by October 2023. The project is being delivered through a design-big-build process with the City of Gas City, IN serving as the project owner. Mechanical and HVAC work will be procured through a public bid process and will likely work under a general contractor for the project. The intended outcome of the project includes a capacity of 1,521 seats to provide quality entertainment and arts performances.

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The McKinley-Whitely Live Learn Neighborhood is envisioned to rebuild a neighborhood that's an anchor to the region given its adjacency to Muncie Central High School and the future YMCA. The proposed READI project is a partnership between the City and the YMCA of Muncie. READI funds will be used to complete intersection and street enhancements, acquire blighted properties and provide home improvement assistance. READI funds will also be used to develop the YMCA. The project will be a design-bid-build with the City of Muncie serving as the project owner. Work will be procured through a public bid process and will likely be facilitated through multiple general contractors based on specific components of the project. Construction will begin July 1, 2022 and will be completed by December 30, 2024. The intended outcomes are improved streetscape facilities and pedestrian amenities, a new YMCA facility and targeted acquisition of residential properties. There are no impacts to climate change.

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00014 Mckinley-Whitely Live Learn Neighborhood_ Comprehensive Revitalization Vision - (East Central)_01

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00014 Mckinley-Whitely Live Learn Neighborhood_ Comprehensive Revitalization Vision - (East Central)_02

The Vision Corner Learning Center will further enhance the educational scope of Union City schools and will replace a downtown eyesore with a dynamic symbol of the City’s economic resurgence. The final phase of construction will complete the renovation and will allow Randolph Eastern School Corporation to expand technical class offerings and job training to local students. READI funds will pay for mechanical and HVAC equipment.  Construction began in February 2022 although mechanical and HVAC work is projected to be procured through a public process and installed in summer 2022. The project is being delivered through a design-big-build process with the City of Union City serving as the project owner.  Construction will be complete by June 2023. The intended outcome of the project includes expanded technical class offerings in the areas of broadcasting, streaming, business, marketing and communications. Additional information can be found here: https://visioncorner.org/

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00015 Vision Corner Learning Center - (East Central)_01

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00015 Vision Corner Learning Center - (East Central)_04

The project will construct a community plaza along 5th Street in downtown Connersville. The project will be used for community festivals and events including the local farmers’ market and will expand tourism activities along the existing Whitewater Valley Railroad. READI funds will be used to procure the structural steel for the project. The project is being delivered through a design-big-build process with the City of Connersville, IN serving as the project owner. Structural steel materials will be purchased after the City received three price quotes for materials. The intended outcome of the project includes a gazebo stage, arbor walks, and a multi-use concrete plaza. The project is a partnership between the City of Connersville and the Fayette County Community Foundation. The project has no direct impact on climate change.

The Salem Township Shovel Ready Site Initiative seeks to develop water and wastewater infrastructure on 6.54 acres of County-owned land. The goal is to make the land “shovel ready” and available for new economic development. READI funds are being used to construct water and wastewater service for the site. Future private development will provide all on-site utilities and building structures based on the selected end-user. Construction will begin in early 2023 and is projected to be completed by year-end 2023. The project is being delivered through a design-bid-build process with the Town of Daleville serving as the project owner. Water and wastewater infrastructure will be procured through a public bid process and will likely work under a general contractor for the project. The intended outcome of the project includes a shovel-ready site totaling 6.54 acres.

Infrastructure improvements including water and wastewater service will ensure that 6.54 acres of County-owned land are “shovel ready” and available for new economic development. READI funds are being used to construct water and wastewater service for the site. Future private development will provide all on-site utilities and building structures based on the selected end-user. The Delaware County Redevelopment Commission owns the land and is donating it at a value of $327,000 (6.54 acres @ $50,000 per acre), additional County ARP funds will be used to make up the local match. The County is in the process of soliciting private developers to invest in the site once utilities are constructed. Current discussions with private developers indicate that $1,000,000 will be invested in a structure at a minimum. The project will begin construction in May 2023 and is projected to be completed by November 2023. The project is being delivered through a design-bid-build process with the Town of Albany, IN serving as the project owner. Water and wastewater infrastructure will be procured through a public bid process and will likely work under a general contractor for the project. The intended outcome of the project includes a shovel-ready site totaling 6.54 acres. There are no planned direct impacts to climate change.

A development agreement is pending and the future developer will contribute to the cost of infrastructure construction.

The third phase of the project in Henry County will add 2.6 miles of paved, multi-use trail to the existing 3.1 mile Wilbur Wright Trail. The trail is being built on a former railroad corridor in Blue River Township and will connect to the Town of Mooreland in northeastern rural Henry County. In future phases the Wilbur Wright Trail will connect to the Cardinal Greenway. READI funds will contribute to the construction of the trail and will also be used as a match to IDNR Next Level Trail funds.
The project will begin construction in September 2022 and is projected to be completed by November 2022. The project is being delivered through a design-bid-build process with Healthy Communities of Henry County serving as the project owner. Trail construction will be procured through a public bid process and will likely work under a general contractor for the project. The intended outcome of the project includes 2.6 miles of paved trail. There are no planned direct impacts to climate change.

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00101_Wilbur Wright Trail Phase 3_Completed.jpeg

The Yorktown Redevelopment Commission (YRC) set forth in 2016 to create a Downtown Redevelopment Plan with clear goals, build-able design direction, realistic budgets, and implementation strategies. To complete the next phase of redevelopment, the Town is working to assemble the half-square block located between Vine, Market, and adjacent to Canal. Currently, the Town owns five of the six parcels that make up the half-square block. READI funds will be used to purchase the remaining 0.10 acre parcel located at 9315 W. Canal Street. The property was formerly a residential lot with a 2,450 SF duplex structure.  The proposed $250,000 in READI funds will cover the purchase price for the site.  Following the transfer of property ownership, the Town will solicit an RFP with the intent of selecting a partner to develop a mixed-use residential and retail space. Per the 2016 Plan, the property will be used for the development of a mixed-use building, allowing new retail and residential opportunities within the heart of Yorktown’s downtown. According to the economic impact analysis, the redevelopment is expected to generate nearly 200 jobs and, over the course of 10 years, contribute approximately $150 million in economic activity. Information on plans, concepts, impacts, and progress can be found at https://www.growyorktown.com/.

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The Salamonia Schoolhouse is the heart of the Town of Salamonia and frequently hosts monthly meetings and events. The structure and adjacent park space have developed several maintenance issues that need to be addressed, but the Town has been unable to make improvements due to a lack of funding. With READI support, the Town of Salamonia, Jay County, Jay County Development Corporation, Salamonia Volunteer Fire Department, local faith groups, and Jay County Trails Club are partnering to complete necessary building and site improvements to the Salamonia Schoolhouse. Site improvements include remediating foundation water issues, installing storm windows, repairing the plaster, sealing the bricks, fixing the ramp, and replacing some of the equipment and mulch. READI funds will be used to seal the bricks, fix the ramp, and replace some of the equipment and mulch. 
The project will begin construction in April 2023 and is projected to be completed by December 2023. The Town of Salamonia is serving as the project lead and will be securing price proposals from appropriate construction contractors to complete the work. The intended outcome of the project includes an improved building and playground which will provide a safe, comfortable place for those in the community to connect and socialize. The improvements will also promote energy savings by modernizing the building’s windows.

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00146 Salamonia School House - (East Central)_03

Richmond and Wayne County currently struggle to offer quality housing options for individuals and families who want to relocate to the area but are not capable or interested in buying a single-family home. New, market-rate apartment complexes with amenities do not currently exist in this market making it difficult for transplants, young professionals, and retirees to find suitable housing that offers a maintenance-free lifestyle. 
The proposed project provides for the removal of an abandoned department store and skywalk leading to an adjacent parking garage which has been vacant since 2018. The site is within a qualified census tract. Following the building removal, site work will be provided to prepare for redevelopment which will include a mixed-use structure that accommodated a total of 150 residential units (10 studios, 85 one-bedroom, and 55 two-bedroom units). The project will also include 4,000 SF of commercial space, a pocket park, and associated site work (sidewalks, curbs, and parking). 
READI funds ($2.95 million) will be used for building demolition and site preparation work. Additional project financing will be provided by the City of Richmond, the City of Richmond Redevelopment Commission (TIF Funds), and Flaherty and Collins. The project has also been awarded $3.6 million in Redevelopment Tax Credits through the State’s program. Approximate timeline is December 2023 to June 2026.

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Renovations to the Best Way Center Pavilion will start with the demolition of the back half of the building. This area has significant leaking problems and is in very poor condition. It was built in 1954 and has simply outlasted its time. This will eliminate the old kitchen, the current dining room, and the non-ADA-compliant restrooms. A new dining room will be added to the building, along with a new kitchen area with new appliances, and modern ADA-accessible restrooms. 

The new show arena will have a total of 16,000 square feet. The show arena area will have 12,000 square feet and will be a double-ring arena. The side walls will be open but drop curtains can be added to make the facility useable during early spring and late fall months. The remaining 4,000 square feet will be for a mini kitchen, a small dining or commons area, ADA-accessible restrooms, and shower facilities.  

READI funds will be used for the Best Way Center kitchen and dining room improvements with the remaining project costs being covered by Randolph County Government and corporate gifts from major employers and organizations in the area. A capital campaign will also be facilitated to collect individual donations. 
The project is set to begin construction in late 2023 following the 4H Fair schedule and should be complete by 2024 to align with event needs scheduled for the season.

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The proposed project will entail a small building addition and an assortment of other mechanical and structural updates. The total project cost, as of September 2022, is estimated at $800,000 and will provide improvements to the building including a new fire stair, which meets today’s building codes requiring a second means of exit from each floor, and today’s building codes for handrails, rise and run and landings. This addition will house also house an elevator unit to improve ADA accessibility. Additional components of the project include HVAC updates, electrical service updates, masonry improvements, and interior upgrades. 
The project’s construction will begin in June 2023 and be complete by June 2024. READI funds ($110,000) will be used to pay for the electrical service upgrades and the elevator system and construction administration services ($80,000). This work (both construction and construction administration) will be procured through a public bid process in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. The project is also utilizing Office of Community and Rural Affairs Community Development Block Grant funds.
The intended outcome of the project includes increased accessibility, building code updates, and interior improvements to preserve the historic 1912 building.

To better accommodate local employers who run three employee shifts, the YMCA of Henry County has been trialing an enhanced before and after-school program for K-5 students in the community. With earlier and later hours, the program provides extended care for area youth as well as transportation to and from local elementary schools. The pilot program started in 2021, has proven to be a successful model.
To better support the program, the Henry County YMCA is working to expand its building facilities to accommodate the growing program. The ongoing project includes the renovation of the existing YMCA facility at 300 Wittenbraker Avenue, New Castle, IN. complete, the building and its spaces will provide enhanced multi-purpose rooms, classrooms, and amenities to serve the program’s participants. 
The project will begin in June 2023 and be complete by August 2024 ahead of the 2023-2024 school year. READI funds ($190,000) will be used to pay for design and engineering services including conceptual design, design development, construction documents, and bidding assistance. This work will be procured through a public bid process in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. Match funds will be provided by the Henry County Council and the New Castle Redevelopment Commission in addition to individual and corporate donations made through the YMCA’s capital campaign. Additional funds needed beyond those sources will be obtained through a bond program.

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Infrastructure improvements including curbs, asphalt pavement, and accessible ramps will provide increased access to the Town of Selma’s Athletic League campus, serving as the heart of the community. To accommodate READI funding and timelines the project will be split into two phases.
Phase One of the project will include Washington Street from South Street to Union Street. Phase One design will be funded locally. The Town of Selma will pay for construction expenses over and above the READI amount which is estimated to be $42,320. The Town has already contracted to provide design services as well ($77,400). READI funds are being used to fund construction, and construction administration services and will be used to supplement the Community Crossing (INDOT) local match amount which will be applied for in July 2023. 
Phase Two of the project will include South Street from Muncie Street to Jackson Street. Phase Two design will be funded locally and construction will be paid for with Community Crossings dollars once an award is made. Awards are anticipated in December 2023 following a July submittal.
The Phase One project will begin construction in June 2023 and is projected to be completed by June 2024. The project is being delivered through a design-bid-build process with the Town of Selma, IN serving as the project owner. A contractor will be procured through a public bid process.

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The need for high-quality Early Care and Learning (ECL) in East Central Indiana (ECI) was an issue before COVID but has worsened since. In response, the Regional Birth-5 Coalition was formed to identify opportunities for improvement
The Coalition, comprised of regional ECL professionals, developed a Birth-5 Regional Training, Resource, and Advocacy Connector (TRAC) to combat regional issues. The TRAC will employ professionals to focus on leadership and advocacy, public-facing communication, and training for ECL professionals in ECI. An existing partnership with Ball State University will be leveraged to host this initiative.
The Coalition will finalize job descriptions and strategic planning in Q2 2023, to hire TRAC staff in Q3 2023. The staff of the TRAC will be guided and supported by the Coalition, which will serve as an advisory board. A portion of the budget will be allotted to Regional Activity Support, allowing counties to secure resources that solve local ECL problems that fit within the scope of the TRAC’s goals.
READI funds will be used to pay salaries and annual benefits in addition to training expenses for care providers. Funds will also support the purchase of computer and technology equipment, and facility rent. READI funds will be matched with funds from Ball State University, Forge Your Path (ECIRP), and in-kind volunteer commitments from the Early Learning Coalition members.

The ongoing project includes the renovation of 141 East 3rd Street in Marion, IN. The building has been purchased, and the first-floor storefront will serve as a community art gallery, and office space for local arts organizations and entrepreneurs. When complete, the building and its spaces will serve as that open space to celebrate the arts for everyone. Marion Design Co. will serve as the building manager since they initially are the primary tenant on a daily basis. They would partner with others on initiatives of education and celebration, bringing community members together who might not have previously considered themselves creative.
The first phase of the project, the first floor, is nearly complete. The second phase, will begin in June 2023 and be complete by June 2024. READI funds ($100,000) will be used to pay for renovations to the basement so that the Center can expand its services and operations. Specific renovations include a chair lift, and bathroom renovations to provide an accessible set of facilities. Funds will also support the development of a workshop to support programming. This work will be procured through a public bid process in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. 
The intended outcome of the project includes increased accessibility, building code updates, and interior improvements to advance arts programming and collaborative partnerships.
All matching funds will be provided by the Kennedy Arts Center.

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The Portland Foundation is renovating the former Judge Haynes Elementary School building in Portland into the Jay County Early Learning Center.  The Center will serve approximately 125 children aged 0-5.  
Jay County is a childcare desert.  According to Early Learning Indiana’s August 2022 Closing the Gap report there are twenty-one (21) licensed and unlicensed programs with a capacity of 254 to serve 1,026 children who may need care.  Data from The Child Care Resource Network shows ten (10) of the twenty-one (21) programs are state regulated.  Two of the ten are preschool programs run by the Jay School Corporation.  Of the remaining eight programs, only three are deemed to be high-quality as defined by being a Paths to QUALITY™ Level 3 or 4 program.  There is a capacity of forty-four (44) children in these three programs.   
A building feasibility study was conducted in November 2022 which led to the development of a conceptual design and cost estimate. The construction of the project will begin in June 2023 and is expected to be completed by August 2024. READI funds ($291,000) will be used to pay for new and renovated restrooms. This work will be procured through a public bid process in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines.

The project will provide new water and wastewater service from the City of New Castle to the existing Boar's Head facility and the proposed New Castle- Henry County Industrial Park. Currently, the SR 3 corridor near the intersection of CR 400S is largely undeveloped and in need of additional infrastructure service. Following the completion of the project, which includes new water and wastewater service, approximately 90+ acres will be made available for development along SR 3 leading to economic investment in both Henry County and New Castle communities. 
READI funds ($975,000) along with support from the Henry County RDC will be used to pay for sanitary sewer and water infrastructure as a part of the larger project effort. 
This work will be procured through a public bid process following local, state, and federal guidelines. The project is estimated to begin construction in February 2025 with substantial completion occurring be the end of September 2025.
The intended outcome of the project includes new water and wastewater customers and new developable acreage that will accommodate commercial, institutional, and industrial users.

East Central Indiana Region, home to 378,808 residents across eight counties thrives on its rich rural heritage. These communities harness their unique history to address shared challenges collectively. The East Central Indiana Region secured $15 million to support a total of 19 projects.

Region Overview:

East Central

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Projects in East Central