Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, right, talks with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb about NexusPark after statewide update meeting about Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program that will go to the completion of NexusPark.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Gov. Eric Holcomb visited NexusPark this morning to announce that a number of projects from across Indiana have been approved for economic development funds — including NexusPark.
“Where we stand has been a long time in the marking, and there have been twists and turns along the way,” said Holcomb. “… I think we’re landing in a transformational spot.”
The project is receiving a $6 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative grant, said City Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon. According to state officials, this will be used for the development of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department offices and community spaces.
NexusPark is a joint effort by the city of Columbus and Columbus Regional Health to redevelop the former FairOaks Mall into a health, wellness and recreation center. The project was included in the South Central Indiana Talent Region’s READI proposal.
The region — which includes Bartholomew, Jackson and Jennings counties, as well as Edinburgh — was awarded a $30 million READI grant in December. The competitive grant program encouraged Indiana communities to partner together on proposals for future growth and improvement in their region, particularly in regards to talent attraction and retention.
For the complete story and more photos, see Friday’s Republic.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
People gather in the old Carson’s location for a statewide update on Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, from left, Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, Columbus Regional Health CEO Jim Bickel and Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers arrive for a statewide update meeting on Holcomb’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop welcomes guests to a statewide update meeting on Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb gives a statewide update on his Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb gives a statewide update on his Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers gives a statewide update on Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic City of Columbus Executive Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon talks about Columbus’ NexusPark project during a statewide update meeting for Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic City of Columbus Executive Director of Administration and Community Development Mary Ferdon talks about Columbus’ NexusPark project during a statewide update meeting for Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop, right, talks with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb about NexusPark after statewide update meeting about Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative or READI program at NexusPark in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, June 30, 2022. The state has appropriated money from the READI program to the City of Columbus to help complete NexusPark.
