The final step in an application for major grant funds took place Tuesday morning.
The Northern Indiana Region, consisting of: Marshall, St. Joseph, and Elkhart Counties, is vying for millions of dollars in state Regional Cities Initiative grant funds. Infrastructure and quality of life projects are included in the lists.
According to a press release, the Northern Indiana Region has outlined some $700-million in projects, 60-percent of which is coming from private sector investment.
The aim of the Regional Cities Initiative is to attract and retain population in the Hoosier State. Population loss was identified as a major threat to economic growth according to the Regional Cities website.
The five member board of the Northern Indiana RDA made their presentation to the Regional Cities board in Indianapolis to discuss the proposed projects and exactly how they’re partnering to make the projects happen.
The board consists of educational, government, business, and economic development professionals.
The Northern Indiana Region anticipates that, if they are selected as the recipient of $200-million in grant funds, it will take 10 years for the 22 cities included in the project to become integrated.
An announcement on the grant funds is expected in the coming months.
