State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) made the following statement  after Gov. Mike Pence ceremonially signed into law a measure to fund Regional Cities initiatives in Evansville:Â
“This session, the Indiana General Assembly passed a variety of bills to benefit Hoosiers, including one major piece of legislation funding a third Regional Cities grant.
“House Enrolled Act 1001 funds 19 projects in Southwest Indiana to improve livability and connectivity, attract talent and workforce into the area, and leverage the new IU School of Medicine facility in downtown Evansville.
“The Signature School in Evansville, where  bill signing took place, will receive $2.5 million from Regional Cities funding to support an expansion that will allow up to 90 new students to attend Indiana’s number-one ranked high school.
“Additionally, Warrick County will receive funding to build a conference center at Victoria National and complete the Warrick Wellness Trail. Also, Oakland City University in Gibson County will be able to build student housing in the downtown area, and the New Harmony Arts and Food Project will be able to complete initiatives in Posey County, which includes updates to the New Harmony Way bike and pedestrian bridge.
“Along with providing funds for the Regional Cities projects, HEA 1001 and Senate Enrolled Act 67 work together to provide $1 billion in new state and local road funding over the next two years with no state tax increases and no new state debt.
“Thanks to this Regional Cities grant, Hoosiers in Southwest Indiana have plenty to look forward to with these outstanding plans to improve the quality of life in Evansville and surrounding counties.â€
