Councilwoman Jennie Capelle points out READI grant money could be used for Broadband Expansion in Harrison County....

Graylin Porter - Reporter

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At the June 7th Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners were informed that the State of Indiana Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) $500 million statewide grant program was offering about $50 million in grant money to Southeast Indiana counties who are affiliated with the local Regional Development Authority (RDA) .

To see explanation of READI grant program, click here and skip to 26:21 mark in the meeting video

At the June 14th Council meeting, councilmemberJennie Capelle asked the Commissioners if they intended to pursue any of the $50 million grant money.

Commissioner Crawford said “Not at this time” with no explanation.

Commissioner Jim Heitkemper said since Harrison County is a riverboat casino county, it would cause problems for other local counties applying for grant money if Harrison County tried to apply for the grant money.

Commissioner Stepro had no comment or explanation.

To see this exchange between Capelle and Commissioners, click here and skip to 1:41 mark near the end of the meeting video

The Harrison County Commissioners are not providing a transparent description of what is going on and prefer to pass up the READI grant money that could be used as Capelle pointed out for broadband expansion in the county.

Click here to read the original press release from Our Southern Indiana