This project will provide for the City of Petersburg to extend existing wastewater and water utility service to The Meadows at Parkview, a new single-family workforce housing development. Directly adjacent to the housing development lies Hornady Park, a City of Petersburg public park. This project will also provide for the extension of wastewater utility services into the City Park to serve the park facilities. Additionally, a new set of playground equipment will be installed. The infrastructure expansions will begin within six months of READI funding approval and be completed within one year. The playground equipment will be completed within one year. This project will be carried out by the City of Petersburg, in partnership with Petersburg Park Board, Reinbrecht Homes, the Housing Developer, and Rio Blanco, LLC, the landowner for the housing development. This project will lead to the full development and build-out of the 67-acre site to 164 single-family homes. The developer plans to build around 15 homes per year. At full buildout, the housing development area would provide approximately one hundred and sixty (164) new housing units ranging in value from of $175,000 to $250,000. The municipal partners would utilize a locally designated Single-Family Residential TIF Districts to partner with the private landowners and future home builders to complete the construction of an estimated seventy (60) homes before December 2026. The one new set of playground equipment will be safe and inviting, and enhance the quality-of-life in Petersburg/Pike County.

This funding will provide for the study of previously mined ground located at the Southwest Indiana Megasite, a portion of which is reclaimed mine property. This site is poised for commercial and industrial development; however, companies and site selectors are reluctant to build on previously mined property. The study should take approximately six to nine months to complete, and will be carried out by a consultant procured by the Pike County Economic Development Corporation. The completed study will serve as a reference document to provide credibility to the established due diligence and to reduce assumptions, stigma, or unknown conditions regarding the redevelopment of previously mined properties.

The project will include the construction of twenty duplex homes (40 units) along with the necessary
drinking water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and roadway infrastructure to support the development. The
development will be located on a eight-acre parcel located at County Road 2000 North and Washington
Street in the Town of Dale, Indiana. Construction for the subdivision will commence within three months
of award and will be completed by December 31, 2026. The project will be carried out by Reinbrecht
Homes/Elite Companies, Inc. Each duplex will be approximately 1,560 sq. ft. in area and will include a
garage, three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

This project will provide for the construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant in the community of New Salisbury. The new wastewater treatment plant will support the expansion of workforce housing in the area, specifically the Kepley Fields Housing Development. The infrastructure work is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023 and completed within one year. This project will be carried out by the Harrison County Regional Sewer District, which has committed to providing the $1.2 million match required to complete the wastewater treatment plant beyond the READI funded share. The private investment will be completed in partnership with Steve Thieneman Builders and will be completed by the end of 2026. This READI project will lead to the full development of the 38-acre Kepley Fields Development with 70 single family home parcels, 2 large multi-family parcels and 5 commercial parcels. Additionally, two 24 unit multi-family buildings and 30 patio homes will be constructed. The total private investment is estimated to be $40,648,000. By constructing a new, more efficient wastewater treatment plant to replace the existing traditional plant, energy usage will be reduced as the number of pumps is reduced.

Indiana First will be contributing $71,280 in READI Funding to the Lincoln Amphitheatre for a portion of the construction of an Entrance Structure.  The READI portion of funding is specifically for the cost of materials. The new canopy and signage wall will dramatically change how visitors to the Lincoln get their first glimpse of the Amphitheatre.  The structure would be tall enough to allow heavy equipment through and will feature stone planters on its east and west sides, a stone wall with ground lighting stretching to the west, and a stone seating wall stretching to the east toward the existing box office.  It will provide a much needed and long deserved “wow” factor for patrons as they walk up to the venue, while also increasing the functionality of the facility by providing a sole point of patron ingress and egress. Construction on the new entry will begin in February 2023, and will be complete by May 2023. The Indiana Destination Development Corporation is completing the project, located inside Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City, Spencer County.

The proposed project will provide for the installation of water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, as well as a roadway in support of the development of the Forest Canton Heights Subdivision, with the READI funds being used for site prep including erosion control and seeding, excavation, grading, and stab, storm drainage roadway aggregate and curbs, and a portion of the water system. The Forest Canton Heights Subdivision creates a 29-lot subdivision on property currently owned by the Perry County Redevelopment Commission (RDC), which is spearheading this project, acting as a liaison between local government, local utilities, and home-builders. Construction is expected to begin with initial site work in early 2023, with home construction beginning in late 2023. The RDC will oversee the construction of the infrastructure and will undertake all required bidding. With the completion of the full infrastructure build-out, the RDC anticipates the construction and sale of 29 single-family homes by individual developers. Public investment is estimated to be $835,000 and private investment is estimated at $200,000. Efforts will be undertaken to provide the most environmentally friendly infrastructure, including the potential use of alternative stormwater collection methods.

Rockport and Roll, LLC will utilize READI funding to run water lines to the site of the new Z Place Commons development.  This housing development located near the unincorporated town of Reo in Spencer County will see the construction of 8 single story units and 17 two story units. The one-story units will include 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an attached garage, and the two-story units will include 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an attached garage. All units will be connected to all city utilities and have access to fiber optic internet. Construction has begun on the units. The water system construction is anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2023. The total project anticipated completion is the end of 2024. These 25 housing units will provide a much-needed housing option for Spencer County.  The Spencer County Commissioners have provided $200,000 in local ARPA funds to match with $7,905,918 of private investment, and $335,000 of READI funds for a total project cost of $8,440,918.  A path for stormwater will be created, so flooding will not be an issue for the subdivision or the existing businesses that surround it. Green technology will be considered and used if available.

The proposed READI project will provide for the installation of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) throughout the Industrial Technology Lab and Advanced Automation & Robotics Technology lab, and advanced automation and robotics equipment at the Ivy Tech – Tell City campus located at 1034 31st St. in Tell City. The campus has seen a boom in enrollment and growth in the industrial electrical courses it offers. To meet growing regional workforce needs, the project will more than double the program’s current capacity for Industrial Electrical and Mechanical Technical Certificates. The labs currently have limited climate control and are only operational in the early mornings or in the cooler seasons. The HVAC installation will allow for full-day and year-round use of the labs as well as elongate the life of the equipment. Ivy Tech will be investing an estimated $121,000 of public funds in facility renovations, electric expansion and security cameras, and faculty member for the lab. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $471,000. The lab upgrades and assignment of either adjunct or full-time faculty will begin in 2023 and renovations and upgrades as well as equipment purchase and installation will be completed in 2024. The HVAC updates will make the labs more energy efficient.

The proposed READI project will provide the necessary extensions of various infrastructures to support the development of the Hoosier Heights Subdivision located at 7498 Old State Road 237 in the City of Tell City. The 35-acre parcel of land has a potential of up to 81 homes and is currently owned by JK Forever Homes LLC, a local home developer. The project's first phase is expected to break ground in early 2023; by the end of 2026, 33 single-family homes are expected to be completed. READI funds will help fund the infrastructure upgrades to extend drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater sewer services to each home site as well as build the necessary roadways for the first phase of the Hoosier Heights Subdivision. The City of Tell City will be investing an estimated $740,000 of public funds in the water system, and the developer will be investing an estimated $8,574,000 of private funds into the project. The total cost to develop phase one including the construction of 33 homes is estimated to be $10,314,000. The developer saw great success with the development of The Highlands Subdivision just north of Tell City and understands the desperate need for housing in Perry County. Efforts will be made to include the most environmentally friendly infrastructure and green technology will be considered and used if possible. Alternative stormwater collection methods will also be considered to avoid flooding in the subdivision.

This project will provide for the site preparation and construction of a 50,000 square foot shell building on the Certified Shovel Ready site, known as Generation Springs, within the Southwest Indiana Megasite. The READI funds will be utilized for the lot development and site excavation, and will provide for the installation of water and sanitary sewer utilities. The City of Petersburg is committing to the construction of a new 750,000-gallon elevated water storage tank as a match to this project, which will increase overall capacity of the Petersburg Water Utility and will provide direct support to the new shell building and to future development. Bowman Family Holdings, the owner of the Southwest Indiana Megasite, is committing to the construction of the new shell building. The overall construction of the project is anticipated to take 12-18 months. Partners in this project include the City of Petersburg, Bowman Family Holdings, and serving as the economic development promoter, Pike County Progress Partners. The target industries for the Megasite will expand the existing regional workforce and provide new high-wage employment opportunities for current and future residents in southwest Indiana. The new shell building at the Generation Springs site will serve as a catalyst for other development on the 8,000 acre megasite. Efforts will be made to include the most environmentally friendly infrastructure and green technology will be considered and used if possible.

Simulation labs (SIM Lab) provide a safe alternative learning space where students learn and can be observed. SIM Lab equipment, including mannequins, is designed to replicate real-world medical conditions and provide a place to practice nursing skills and bedside manners in a controlled environment. The project seeks to use the increased capacity to allow for interdisciplinary training for all health careers including Radiology Techs, EMS, and Phlebotomists, among others. The estimated cost of the project is $1,158,813 and will be completed in coordination with the Knox County Commissioners. Good Samaritan Hospital is requesting American Rescue Plan funds of $482,613 from Knox County. These funds, in addition to projected READI grant funds of $400,000 and its own investments, will allow for the expansion of Good Samaritan Hospital’s Simulation Labs by doubling its space from 2 to 4 labs. The construction phase and procurement of equipment are to start by April 2023. Staff recruitment and student outreach beginning summer 2023. Additional Simulation Lab fully operational by the Fall semester of 2024.

Due to severe housing shortages, Knox County is pursuing an aggressive, multi-pronged strategy to upgrade its housing stock.  As such, Knox County and Vincennes Water Utilities are partnering with developers on a number of projects, and the proposed Castlebrook Apartments, a multi-family housing development on the southeast side of Vincennes, will help fill the gap in housing units for that area of our community.  However, the project cannot move forward without access to sanitary sewer service.  The requested funding will be allocated to the provision of this essential infrastructure, to extend municipal sewer service to the site.  READI funds in the amount of $1,700,000 will couple with local funds of approximately of $8,700,000 to provide water and sanitary sewer to the development.  As part of the development, paths for stormwater will be created, so flooding will not be an issue for the subdivision, or existing homes and businesses in the area. Green technology will be considered and used if available. Approximate timeline is October 2023 to December 2024.

This READI project will provide for the expansion of water and sewer facilities for the Lanesville Business Park. Ramsey Water Company will be extending water lines into the business park. The Harrison County Regional Sewer District will expand their sewer collection system into the business park. The Town of Lanesville provides the treatment for the Regional Sewer District, and the development of the business park necessitates the expansion of the wastewater treatment facility. This project is anticipated to begin in August 2023, and is expected to be complete by June 30, 2026. Ramsey Water Company has committed public matching funds of $500,000, the Harrison County Regional Sewer District has committed public matching funds of $500,000, and the Town of Lanesville has committed public matching funds of $500,000 to carry out their respective components. Additionally, Amazon.com Services LLC is constructing a warehouse facility in the business park. This private investment currently stands at approximately $15 million as determined by the current assessed value. This READI project is expected to result in some 300 new jobs, and allow for additional expansion of the business park. Green infrastructure technology will be taken into consideration and implemented when feasible.

Indiana First will be contributing $1,400,000 in READI Funding to the Advanced Battery Cluster project.  The READI portion of funding will fund the construction of water lines to the site of the Advanced Battery Cluster, as well as engineering and design, bidding, construction administration and inspection, permits, legal/bond counsel, acquisition, and easement preparation.  Poly Plus will provide high-quality jobs and will also serve as the anchor of a growing regional cluster focused on next-generation battery technology.  An appropriate site has been identified to host the project, though the area lacks the water capacity to ensure adequate fire suppression systems are served.  As a result, the community and Vincennes Water Utilities are prepared to invest in a new water infrastructure project to extend the municipal water main.  The requested funding will be allocated to this critical need, and will help ensure the project is adequately served.  Construction on the project could begin as early as June 2024, and will be complete by August 2024. Green technology will be considered and used if available. The City of Vincennes Water Utilities are providing $460,000 in local match, and Poly Plus will be investing $11,500,000 in facility improvements and equipment. Approximate timeline for this project is 9/1/23 to 9/30/24.

The proposed READI project will provide sewer, stormwater, and water systems, bleachers and associated non-construction costs in support of the expansion of the Tell City Sports Complex located in Hagedorn Park at 1401 Lafayette Street in Tell City, Ind. The 59-acre park currently has four baseball/softball fields; this project will improve those existing and expand to eight ball fields. Improvements include better access and parking, ADA accessibility, press box/concession/restroom facilities, dugouts, batting cages, fencing, lighting, scoreboards, shelter houses, and playground equipment. The project is expected to break ground in 2024. This work is estimated to be completed in 2025. The City of Tell City in partnership with the Tell City Electric Department will be investing an estimated $1,880,513.96 in public funds in construction costs. The estimated total project cost will be $2,480,513.96. In the City’s recently completed Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Recreation goals were on the top ten list and the Sports Complex surfaced as a high priority for our community. Efforts will be made to include the most environmentally friendly infrastructure and green technology will be considered and used if possible. Alternative stormwater collection methods will also be considered to avoid flooding in the park.

Indiana First will be engaging a consultant to undertake the Indiana First Regional Opportunity Strategy. The Indiana First Region was initially formed nearly two years ago as a focused regional sub-set of the larger Southwest Indiana Development Council. This region, while unique in geographic relation, is united through the concerted effort to address the overarching goals for increased quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity throughout the region. Building off the success of the existing Regional Strategic Investment Plan, this new plan will include an in-depth analysis of the established regional strategies, such as the Indiana Talent’s Hometown workforce housing initiative, gauge successes, and to provide strategies for improvement. Key regional stakeholders will be engaged to assist in the development of this plan. Existing benchmarks identified in the original plan will be updated. This strategy will examine the existing regional alignment, noting best practices and identifying structural, policy, and operational improvement opportunities. The consultant is expected to begin by September 4, 2023, and complete the plan by January 31, 2024.

Indiana First Region has a population of 244,830 thriving in southern Indiana. It boasts five regional airports and convenient access to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. This region was allocated $15 million in READI 1.0 funds.

Region Overview:

Indiana First

List of Counties:

Projects in Indiana First