In visiting the many local businesses, educational institutions and attractions in Southwest Indiana, it’s clear our communities are seizing transformational opportunities on behalf of the Hoosiers who live, work and play here. With our strong economy, local colleges and universities, infrastructure investments and quality-of-life improvements, Southwest Indiana is open for business.
Our prime location along the Ohio River is our economic ace in the hole, attracting new industries, providing jobs and growing our tax base. With the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI, $50 million is going toward innovative projects located throughout the Evansville Region. As part of the award funding from the state, over $1.2 million is dedicated to the Ohio River Vision and Strategic Plan, a comprehensive riverfront strategy for downtown Evansville, Newburgh, Mount Vernon and other smaller sites in our area.
Based on input from community members weighing in at several open houses and online, a master plan celebration is expected in February.
Home to the University of Southern Indiana, the University of Evansville, Ivy Tech Community College Southwest and other post-secondary schools, we have access to education, culture and events right in our backyard. These schools are focusing on expanding in-demand programs, and recruiting and retaining a highly trained workforce. READI grants are also supporting the University of Evansville’s Multidisciplinary Mental Health and Wellness Clinic, the Indiana University School of Medicineâ€Evansville, and USI nursing and health professions programs.
With thousands of motorists hitting local roads every day, our infrastructure must be safe and reliable. Thanks to the Community Crossings Grant Program, the state has invested more than $10 million in Vanderburgh County infrastructure enhancements since the program launched in 2016, supporting economic development, creating jobs and strengthening local transportation networks. The ongoing Interstate 69 Ohio River Crossing bridge project connecting Evansville to Henderson, Kentucky, is entering the second phase. Most recently, Indiana and Kentucky applied for a federal grant, which if approved, could help reduce the number of years tolls would need to be used.
As someone who first arrived in Evansville in 2011 as a USI student and who now proudly calls Vanderburgh County home, I believe Southwest Indiana is one of the best places to live. Our quality of life is supported by trails and parks, and top-notch attractions like the Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Museum and Old National Events Plaza, just to name a few.
Our corner of the state is second-to-none, with a strong economy, local colleges and universities, infrastructure investments and quality-of-life improvements. As your state representative, I look forward to continuing to support programs like READI and Community Crossings so that Southwest Indiana thrives.
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