ECIRPD Recaps Third Quarterly Board Meeting of 2026
The ECI Regional Planning District held its third quarterly board meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, August 11th. The meeting covered project and grant updates, funding opportunities, and initiatives supporting communities and businesses throughout East Central Indiana.
Regional Development and Funding Updates
The board discussed the Marion Airport project and the recently released Request for Proposals. ECIRPD is currently awaiting bids to complete the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and environmental narrative. Once the necessary work is completed, ECIRPD will be able to move forward with an application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), which is anticipated for late October or early November.
The board also discussed ECIRPD’s per capita rates, which have remained unchanged since 2009. With funding becoming increasingly competitive, the board is considering a 50-cent increase to the current per capita dues charged to each county. A vote on the proposed increase is expected at the November board meeting.
Grant and Business Support Updates
ECIRPD was recently awarded $90,000 through the USDA Business Enterprise & Support Training (BEST) Grant, with a $10,000 local match bringing the total project amount to $100,000. In partnership with Innovation Connector CEO Ted Baker, the funding will support upcoming BEST workshops and provide training, technical assistance, and project development opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the region.
ECIRPD also received an update regarding its EPA Brownfields Grant application. While the application was not selected for funding, future applications will place a greater emphasis on demonstrating measurable outcomes from previous EPA-funded projects, including job creation and economic impact.
ECIRPD is also preparing to apply for a $1 million EPA Revolving Loan Fund in November. If awarded, the funding would provide loans to support Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments on brownfield properties, helping communities address environmental concerns and prepare properties for future redevelopment and business opportunities in Delaware County. The program would require the formation of separate boards to help oversee decisions and responsibilities related to the fund.
ECIRPD has also submitted a request for $4,000 through 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union to support its semiannual grant writing workshop.
Community Projects and Goals Making Progress
Several community projects supported by ECIRPD are moving forward. The Jay County Mural Project is nearing completion, with artist Marie McKinley bringing the community-inspired design to life on the Jay County Community Resource Center. After nearly two years of planning and collaboration, the mural is expected to be completed this fall.
ECIRPD also recently assisted Liberty-Perry School Corporation in securing more than $60,000 through the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission for its new all-inclusive playground. The project was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 10th, and the playground is now ready for students to enjoy during the 2026-2027 school year.
ECIRPD is also beginning to explore a food drive initiative focused on communities within the region identified as food deserts. Plans are still in development, including selecting a community partner and bringing on an additional intern to help lead the project. ECIRPD is exploring funding opportunities through the Walmart Spark Good program and Meijer to support the initiative.
The board also received a brief update on ECIRPD’s Economic Development District (EDD) designation. Following an initial meeting, the organization is currently awaiting confirmation of its designation.
Looking Ahead
ECIRPD is preparing for the next round of the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), with applications opening September 1st at 9:00 AM and closing September 30th at 5:00 PM. Communities interested in applying are encouraged to submit their selected roadway projects and bid information to ECIRPD Director of Economic Development, Jacob Thomas, as soon as possible so the team can begin preparing applications.
For CCMG project and application information, contact Jacob Thomas at jthomas@ecirpd.org.
With new grant opportunities, community projects, and regional planning initiatives underway, ECIRPD continues working alongside local communities to support economic development and create opportunities throughout East Central Indiana.