JEFFERSONVILLE (Dec. 18, 2024) – The Our Southern Indiana region last week announced its awards through the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 (READI 2.0), allocating funding to projects across Clark, Floyd, Jefferson, Scott and Washington counties to accelerate quality of place and foster vibrant communities. The region awarded more than $3.6 million to initiatives that will increase childcare for residents, supporting area families and enabling continued community and economic growth.  

Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the now $1.25 billion READI program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success. READI 2.0, which was part of the governor’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly, allocates another $500 million to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that are expected to transform Indiana communities, attract talent and improve quality of life for Hoosiers in the short and long term. READI 2.0 funding allocations were awarded in April to 15 regions representing all 92 Indiana counties. 

“Indiana is making historic investments in our people through this once-in-a-generation READI program,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. “As a state, we’re committed to supporting Hoosiers and ensuring that current and future generations have access to the support and resources needed to care for their families and advance their lives. These investments in the Our Southern Indiana region will fill critical gaps in the region, ensuring all families can access quality childcare.” 

In the Our Southern Indiana region, three developments are set to increase childcare availability for families with the support of READI 2.0 funding. Through these projects, the region is investing more than $11.6 million to make childcare more affordable and more accessible for residents.

• The John Hill Childcare Center at the Scott County Family YMCA ($1M READI 2.0 allocation) 
  The Scott County Family YMCA will construct a new state-of-the-art daycare facility by converting an abandoned pool area into usable space. The new space will feature 10,000 square feet of renovated space, a 15,000-square-foot playground, an outdoor parking area, as well as supplemental multi-purpose and meeting space. The $2.85 million project, which is expected to be complete by January 2027, will add new childcare options in Scottsburg and the surrounding community, filling a critical gap in the area and increasing support for families. 

• River Ridge Learning Center ($933,503 READI 2.0 allocation) The River Ridge Learning Center is investing more than $4.9 million to build a new early childhood education facility at its existing site. The project will create more than 150 childcare spots, growing its overall capacity to more than 200 children ages five and younger and supporting an underserved community that continues to grow with new economic investments at the River Ridge Commerce Center. The expansion is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and be complete in 2026.  

• Washington County YMCA Child Care and Community Center ($1.7M READI 2.0 allocation) 
  The Washington County YMCA is launching a capital expansion project to meet critical childcare and recreational needs in the community. The $3.8 million investment will add a 7,000-square-foot childcare center with four classrooms, providing 50 new seats for children ages 0-3, and a 14,000-square-foot community center offering space for various sports and senior group exercises, as well as a dedicated youth and teen area. Construction is expected to begin in January 2025 and will take approximately 12-18 months to be completed.  

“For our region to continue this unprecedented growth and economic impact, we must invest in our people. The economic development toolbox of today includes projects like these,” said Cory Cochran, executive director of River Hills, which administers READI grants for the Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA). “We are building an economic ecosystem here in southern Indiana, and we must utilize the tools we have to build what our region needs today. If we want our parents to work and our children to thrive, this is how you accomplish that. We are grateful for the IEDC and Gov. Holcomb for this opportunity and the program, which has catalyzed our growth and development. In READI 1.0 alone, our region captured more than $3.4 billion in outside investments (a 66 to 1 investment leverage ratio).” 

READI 1.0 has awarded $487 million to 353 unique projects and programs across the state, yielding $12.6 billion invested (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity initiatives. READI 2.0, which secured additional funding awarded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., is allocating another $750 million to accelerate community development investments statewide. This funding is expected to attract a minimum 4:1 match of local public and private funding, yielding at least $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.  

Our Southern Indiana is a five-county region led by the Our Southern Indiana RDA that was awarded $95 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds to grow quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity. The region’s READI plans are designed to catalyze regional growth, with an emphasis on impacting rural and disadvantaged communities; increase housing availability; leverage business and innovation parks to expand employment opportunities; partner with regional universities to grow educational attainment and innovation activity; and ensure quality of life amenities like childcare access and affordability.   

Learn more at IndianaREADI.com.  

*PHOTO: Washington County YMCA Child Care and Community Center

About IEDC

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is charged with growing the State economy, driving economic development, and helping businesses launch, grow and locate in the state. Governed by a 14-member board chaired by Governor Eric J. Holcomb, the IEDC manages many initiatives, including performance-based tax credits, workforce training grants, innovation and entrepreneurship resources, public infrastructure assistance, and talent attraction and retention efforts. For more information about the IEDC, visit   iedc.in.gov.

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Media Contact:

Nathan Brown (IEDC) – 317.586.1096 or nabrown1@iedc.in.gov