News
Wabash River RDA Submits READI Proposal for West Central Indiana for Nearly $300 Million in Projects
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2021
West Central Indiana – The Wabash River Regional Development Authority (RDA) submitted its comprehensive READI proposal this week, totaling nearly $300 million in projects for West Central Indiana.
Through the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) tasked regions across the state to submit proposals with idea-ready and shovel-ready projects that address the overall quality of life for their region. The Wabash River RDA submitted projects spanning Clay, Knox, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo Counties with over $73 million in matching READI asks.
“Our application is a compilation of 42 unique projects,” states Greg Goode, President of the Wabash River RDA. “Each project is categorized into workforce development, tourism and quality of life, and entrepreneurship and innovation.”
West Central Indiana’s proposal is one of 18 regional proposals expected to be submitted. The IEDC plans to award $500 million in funding across the state. With the IEDC’s advice to utilize regional planning efforts and creative visions for the future, the Wabash River RDA submitted its proposal knowing it was bold and transformational.
“Understanding every state agency will play a role in the funding efforts over time, we didn’t want to sell our region short,” states Goode. “Our proposal demonstrates our region’s ability to uniquely compete and offer the state a profitable return on investment.”
Under the ‘workforce development’ section, projects address talent attraction and retention, specifically in terms of educational opportunities, library expansions, and career pathways. The section also includes four housing projects, each unique, as well as a project dedicated to access to quality healthcare and the important role it has in attracting workforce to the region.
The ‘tourism and quality of life’ section narrates a range of projects including aquatic features and community pools, a sports […read more]
Thrive Launches New Revolving Loan Fund Known as Spark
Shelburn, Indiana, Awarded $2.6 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/16/21
Ashley Salesman
Thrive West Central
(812) 238-1561 Ext. 222
asalesman@thrivewestcentral.com
Shelburn, Indiana, Awarded $2.6 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance
The Town of Shelburn has received a $2.6 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Administration to construct new water infrastructure at the Sullivan County Community Hospital Business Park. The investment will improve water quality and fire safety.
Project construction is anticipated to begin early next year and the infrastructure is expected to retain over 400 jobs. The development was made possible by the town’s local match and with the assistance of Thrive West Central in developing the grant application. Thrive West Central is an innovative regional driver dedicated to building strong communities and improving quality of life in West Central Indiana.
Any questions can be directed to Thrive’s Economic Recovery Liaison, Ashley Salesman, at asalesman@thrivewestcentral.com.
Thrive West Central Launches New Mobile Trails App
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/09/21
Ashley Salesman
Thrive West Central
(812) 238-1561 Ext. 222
asalesman@thrivewestcentral.com
Thrive West Central, an innovative regional driver dedicated to enhancing community assets while improving the overall quality of life in West Central Indiana, announced the launch of their new app for Android and iOS devices, known as Crossroads Trails.
Crossroads Trails app was created to help residents and visitors navigate West Central Indiana’s vast network of trails and outdoor amenities. With easy-to-use mapping features and amenity layers, this app is the perfect tool for trail users of all experience levels.
Innovative features on the app include – parks, current trails, planned trails, trailheads, water access and restrooms. Thrive plans to work with users to add information such as trail-friendly businesses and other amenities along with trail types.
“This app will allow our communities to fully utilize the wonderful network of trails across our region. Thrive is so excited to have developed this resource with the support of our local partners, and we believe it will improve the quality of life in West Central Indiana for years to come.”
Crossroads Trails was made possible by the Crossroads Trails Regional Council and a group of generous donors, including Wabash Valley Riverscape, Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Any questions can be directed to Thrive’s Economic Recovery Liaison, Ashley Salesman at asalesman@thrivewestcentral.com.
WATER IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NOTICE OF SECOND PUBLIC HEARING
WATER IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NOTICE OF SECOND PUBLIC HEARING
On or about June 25, 2021 the Town of West Terre Haute (West Terre Haute) intends to submit a proposal to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) for Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) Wastewater/Drinking Water Program (WDW). This program is funded by Title I of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. These funds are to be used for a community development project that will include the following activities: Wastewater Improvements/Construction.
Total amount of CDBG funds to be requested is $700,000. The amount of CDBG funds proposed to be used for activities that will benefit low-and-moderate-income persons is $700,000. West Terre Haute also proposes to expend an estimated $844,000 in non-CDBG funds on this project. These non-CDBG funds will be derived from the following sources: State Revolving Loan Fund.
West Terre Haute will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 5:30 pm at the Town Hall 500 W National, West Terre Haute, 47885, to provide interested parties an opportunity to express their views on the proposed federally funded CDBG project. Masks and social distancing may be required. Persons with disabilities or non-English speaking persons who wish to attend the public hearing and need assistance should contact the Project Grant Administrator, Kristine Krueger at 812-238-1561 ext. 259 M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, not later than Thursday, June 17, 2021. Every effort will be made to make reasonable accommodations for these persons.
Information related to this project will be available for review prior to the public hearing as of June 2, 2021 at Thrive West Central, 2800 Poplar St Suite 9A, Terre Haute or you may call Kristine Krueger at 812-238-1561 ext. 259 between […read more]
Thrive West Central’s Aging and Disabled Division wants to help you.
Contact Information:
Thrive West Central
Information and Assistance
(812) 917-3145
adrc@thrivewestcentral.com
For Immediate Release
Thrive West Central’s Aging and Disabled Division wants to help you.
[West Central, Indiana] – Thrive West Central has available funds for individuals who are disabled or aged 60 and older who need assistance in their home. Funding is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals who reside in the service area of Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties and meet the eligibility requirements.
Available resources may include wheelchair ramps for access, adaptive equipment such as handrails and lift chairs, home modifications for accessibility like walk-in showers and doorway widening, pest control services, home delivered meals and other in-home services. The goal of this funding is to aid with both the short-term and long-term needs of individuals who want to reside comfortably in their own home.
If you or someone you know could benefit with help from these types of services, please contact Thrive’s Aging and Disability Resource Center at 812-917-3145 or adrc@thrivewestcentral.com to schedule an assessment.
Thrive West Central is responsible for developing, managing and implementing many federal, state and local programs throughout West Central Indiana. Thrive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
West Terre Haute is seeking the assistance of area residents.
Contact Information:
Thrive West Central
Kristine Krueger
(812) 238-1561 Ext. 259
kkrueger@westcentralin.com
For Immediate Release
West Terre Haute is seeking the assistance of area residents.
[Terre Haute, Indiana]- The Town of West Terre Haute intends to apply for a Community Development Block Grant to help offset the cost of wastewater improvements. As part of the application, a current estimate of residential incomes must be provided.The Town is working with Thrive West Central to conduct a survey that would accurately portray the community and reflect the impacts of COVID. Representatives of Thrive will be in neighborhoods to conduct face-to-face surveys beginning late April 2021. The survey is short and confidential.
Participation in the survey will greatly further this opportunity. Questions regarding this project, please contact Thrive West Central 812-238-1561 Ext. 259 or attend the public meeting set for April 21st at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall.
Thrive West Central is responsible for developing, managing and implementing many federal, state and local programs throughout West Central Indiana. Thrive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Thrive West Central’s Area 7 Agency on Aging Division offers recourses for the COVID-19 vaccine
January 18, 2021
By RJL Solutions
Thrive West Central’s Area 7 Agency on Aging Division offers recourses for the COVID-19 vaccine
In response to the state’s announcement that Hoosiers 70 and over are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine, Thrive West Central’s Area 7 Agency on Aging Division is assisting the 6-county region of West Central Indiana throughout the process.
To support the goal of vaccinating 90% of Indiana’s individuals 70+ years of age and as a dedicated regional driver, Thrive West Central’s Division of Area 7 Agency on Aging (AAA) is serving as a partner in outreach and vaccine registration to those residing in West Central Indiana. Services include registration, transportation, coordination for homebound individuals through partnerships with EMS providers, utilization of frequently asked questions from the FSSA/DA for further education, scheduling, information and overall assistance.
“This process has been new and somewhat overwhelming for all. Our job is to ensure the citizens of our region are taken care of and are using the resources at hand to make this process as seamless as possible,” states Ryan Keller, Executive Director of Thrive West Central.
Individuals 70+ years of age are encouraged to call 211 for the state registration hotline or 812-917-3145 for Thrive’s AAA registration and information center. Online registration and vaccine information is available at www.ourshot.in.gov.
To date, the AAA registration and information center has received a high volume of calls. Individuals are encouraged to leave a message with their name and call back number and speak slowly and clearly. A representative from the department will reach out within 24-72 hours with a return call to begin the process. Only one voicemail per individual is […read more]
Thrive West Central making progress on Regional Trails System
Jan 5, 2021 7:15 PM
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – Thrive West Central here in Terre Haute is continuing to make progress on initiatives in the Wabash Valley.
You may remember back in August, they began the process of making a cohesive Regional Trails System across our six-county area here in the Wabash Valley. Executive Director of Thrive West Central Ryan Keller shared the immense progress they’ve made to make this initiative closer to becoming a reality.
Keller says Thrive West Central recently signed a contract with a developer to get the ball rolling on a regional trails app. Regional Trails groups in all counties here in the Wabash Valley are working together to upload maps of trails.
Keller says his vision is to have a cohesive Regional Trails Group up and going as a stand-alone 501(c)(3) organization within three years. Eventually, Thrive West Central will identify trail-friendly businesses to generate economic development in our area.
Keller says being able to get out and enjoy our local trails and our regional trails system will be a huge benefit to all citizens.
“It’s a huge bump in quality of life,” Keller said, “Being able to go out there and plugin with your mobile phone to see where there’s new trails or trails that have yet to be developed is really exciting.”
This past summer, Thrive West Central did some research studying trail systems established in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. They discovered property values increased along trails, community engagement was improved, and businesses along trails experienced an uptick in traffic. Keller says that’s why they are making this project a focus in 2021 here in the Wabash Valley.
Keller says he and his organization really want to make this trail system […read more]
Thrive West Central launches economic survey
By Times Staff
Monday, December 21, 2020
Thrive West Central, an innovative regional driver dedicated to enhancing community assets while improving the overall quality of life in West Central Indiana — including Sullivan County, announced the launch of Resilient, a regional recovery and resiliency plan to help our communities thrive.
Resilient was made possible through the $400,000 Economic Development Administration CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant that Thrive received in August.
“I want to express my gratitude for the funds we were awarded through EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant that has allowed us to launch Resilient,” said Ryan Keller, Executive Director at Thrive. “Over the course of the next 18 months, we will be collecting data through surveys, engaging with community members and determining next steps for our region. This cohesive, collaborative effort will better assist the communities we serve to overcome the impacts caused by COVID-19.”
Thrive will spend the next several months engaging and conversing with a diverse group of stakeholders to gain a clear picture of the regional challenges and opportunities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive data collection and analysis process will culminate in the publication of a recovery and resiliency plan that will serve as a guide for communities as they look to emerge from the pandemic and work to rebuild their communities. Resilient will specifically look to engage with stakeholders and communities in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties.
“I am excited to begin work on this important effort,” said Alex Brown, Economic Recovery and Resiliency Coordinator at Thrive. “Communities throughout our region have already shown great resilience in responding to the hardships caused by the COVID-19, and we look forward to further equipping our communities to both recover from the pandemic […read more]
Development group is now Thrive West Central
By Howard Greninger
Tribune-Star
Dec 3, 2020
West Central Indiana Economic Development District has a new name and now will be known as Thrive West Central.
“Our organization was created with a mission and vision to see our six-county region thrive through economic and community development as well as an area agency on aging and disabled resources,” Ryan Keller, executive director of Thrive West Central, said in a virtual news conference Thursday.
“Thrive West Central was chosen because it exemplifies who we are as an organization focused on helping communities thrive through the development of community assets and the improvement of quality of life initiatives in our region. We do this through innovative problem solving, quality service, and collaborative partnerships,” Keller said.
In July, Gov. Eric Holcomb moved the role of Metropolitan Planning Organization away from West Central and into the Terre Haute Economic Development Corp.
The MPO targets federal funding for transportation projects and develops a 20-year transportation plan as well as three- to five-year transportation improvement plans, called TIP, which lists all transportation projects planned and funded for that period.
With that role removed, it was time to restructure West Central’s departments and redefine plans, Keller said.
Thrive has hired 12 new staff members this year, creating three divisions, Keller said, adding he plans to hire three to five more employees by the end of the first quarter in 2021. Some new staff includes Jon Ford, a state senator, who serves as director of business development; Kristine Krueger as community/economic grant specialist; and Alex Brown as economic recovery and resiliency coordinator.
“We are nearing 50 staff members,” Keller said, adding Thrive’s 2021 budget is about $5 million.
“Most […read more]
