Southern Indiana Business Report
BLOOMINGTON – The Indiana Uplands READI Steering Committee, Regional Opportunity Initiatives, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation have announced that $4,093,000 in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative funding has been committed to four projects in the Indiana Uplands region. These projects will improve the region by accelerating the expansion of housing, childcare and healthcare facilities in Dubois, Daviess, Crawford and Brown counties.
“These four projects exemplify the transformative outcomes envisioned through the Indiana Uplands’ READI initiative,” said Tina Peterson, president and CEO of Regional Opportunity Initiatives. “By expanding workforce housing, childcare, and healthcare capacity, we are enhancing the community conditions necessary for attracting new industry expansions, jobs, and talent. Together with our previously announced READI 2.0 anchor investments, these initiatives contribute to the Indiana Uplands’ entire READI 1.0 & 2.0 portfolio of more than 30 projects and programs strategically selected to build a stronger workforce, a more resilient regional economy, and attractive communities to live, work, play, and invest.”
Poplar Ridge Apartments, Huntingburg
Premier Property Management Kerstiens Realty LLC is investing $16 million to develop a new market-rate, multi-housing community that will support local industry and attract new employees. With a total of 126 high-efficiency units, the community will feature 24 one-bedroom apartments, 48 two-bedroom, 24 three-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom townhomes, and 12 three-bedroom townhomes with garages. In addition to securing a $1,594,000 tax abatement from the City of Huntingburg, this project was awarded a $1,493,000 READI 2.0 allocation. READI funds will be used to purchase the materials and labor associated with the infrastructure on this project.
“We couldn’t be more excited to start this project,” said Ruger Kerstiens, president of Premier Property Management Kerstiens Realty LLC. “It will build upon our mission to provide quality housing at attainable prices. Poplar Ridge Apartments will be a tremendous asset to the community and our local industry partners. Not only will Poplar Ridge Apartments attract new residents to our area, it will also help retain existing residents.”
A ground breaking is set for 11:45 a.m. July 30 at 2050 N. Lincoln Drive, Huntingburg.
Leavenworth housing development
A $12.5 million public-private partnership between Cook Group, the Crawford County Economic Development Corporation, the Town of Leavenworth, and the Community Foundation of Crawford County will support the development of a 57-unit single-family subdivision. Near an Industrial Park and Interstate 64, the project has been awarded a $1,850,000 READI 2.0 allocation. Cook Group, the parent corporation of Cook Medical and French Lick Resorts, will act as developer for the project, funding the construction of homes, while local and READI funds will be used to prepare the site, build roads, and provide water and sewer, electric, and fiber infrastructure to the subdivision. Completed homes will be sold below market value to attract new Crawford County residents, regional workforce talent, young families, and first-time homebuyers.
“The Tower Subdivision project represents a vital investment in the future of our county,” said Jesse Belcher, executive director of the Crawford County Economic Development Corporation. “It will generate significant new tax revenue to support our local government and schools, while also creating new housing opportunities that attract residents. These new citizens will bring talent and energy, providing a boost to our workforce, a broader customer base for our local businesses, and increasing our appeal to future employers and amenities. This project is a major step forward in strengthening the economic vitality and quality of life throughout our community.”
Emergency Department expansion
Daviess County, Daviess County Hospital, and the Daviess Community Hospital Foundation are investing $5,057,995.96 in a public-private partnership that will expand the hospital’s emergency department and upgrade its radiology services with advanced diagnostic capabilities. A total of $500,000 in READI 2.0 funds has been allocated for construction costs and medical equipment.
“This funding empowers us to provide a higher level of care to the people who rely on Daviess Community Hospital during their most critical moments,” said CFO April Settles.
“By expanding our Emergency Department by 40% – adding new trauma and exam rooms, a dedicated EMS entrance, and specialized decontamination and consultation spaces—we are improving both access and efficiency in urgent care. In Radiology, we’ve completed a renovation to enhance patient flow, privacy, and diagnostic capability. Updates include a modernized reception and waiting area, upgraded dressing rooms, and a streamlined workflow to reduce wait times. At the heart of these improvements is our new Magnetom Altea 1.5T MRI, which delivers faster scans, greater image clarity, and a more comfortable experience for patients. This project represents an essential investment in the health of our rural communities – especially for seniors, families with children, and individuals managing chronic conditions.”
Early learning in Nashville
In addition to a $250,000 READI 2.0 allocation, Brown County Schools is leveraging $836,151 in grant funding from Early Learning Indiana, Brown County Community Foundation, and the Indiana Department of Education’s Explore, Engage, Experience (3e) program to renovate its Early Education Center with a new toddler classroom, food prep area, two toilet rooms, and a health clinic area. This renovation will add 10 toddler seats and enable the center to serve eight infants.
READI funds growing the region
ROI and a regional steering committee manage $60 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds awarded to the Indiana Uplands region to grow the region’s capacity as a national hub for innovation; develop and attract in-demand talent; advance housing, infrastructure, and place-based assets; and enhance the region’s unique cultural, artistic, physical and livable amenities.