INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is excited as lawmakers appear poised to put significant money into another round of economic development projects.

That would mean more dollars for the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program, which aims to improve quality of life to help attract and retain workers.

The first round of READI grants totaled $500 million dollars, all in federal stimulus dollars, were awarded in late 2021. They funded 17 regional projects around the state.

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb said that funding attracted billions in private and local investment. And he said the fact the projects are already underway makes selling legislators on another round won’t be hard.

Lawmakers will write a new state budget beginning in January.