Southern Indiana Business Report
SALEM – The Washington County YMCA Child Care and Community Center has received $1.7 million in READI 2.0 funds for its capital campaign to expand childcare services and recreation.
The Washington County YMCA is currently raising $4 million via the Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign.
The project 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 complete.
Washington County is part of the Our Southern Indiana region. Awards totaling $3.6 million from the Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 (READI 2.0) to the Our Southern Indiana region were announced last week. Projects that support families and foster community and economic growth will benefit residents in Clark, Floyd, Jefferson, Scott and Washington counties.
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb established the now $1.25 billion READI program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success. According to a press release, 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.”