Energize-ECI Reginal Planning District, Inc. is Awarded a $60,000 Planning Grant by the U.S. Economic Development Administration
Muncie, IN – The Chicago Regional Office of the Economic Development Administration announced that the Energize-ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. has been awarded a $60,000 Planning Grant for 2011-2012.
Required initiatives in the scope of work listed in the EDA grant include:
- To update and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS Report / Plan) for Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Jay counties – plus the entities within the counties
- Sustain and expand the capacity of the District organization
- Provide technical assistance and advisory services to local entities
- Assist the Indiana Association of Regional Councils in establishing regional districts in counties not currently served
- Implement plans to increase jobs and per capita income
- Collect and analyze data regarding economic trends
- Identify and develop economic clusters
- Address areas economic problems and opportunities
- Pursue and establish the District as an EDA recognized Economic Development District
Since 2009, the Energize-ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. has secured over $3,357,000 in grants from a variety of governmental agencies, including: the Economic Development Administration (U.S. Department of Commerce); Indiana Department of Environment Management; Indiana Brownfields programs Indiana Office of Energy Development; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to undertaking the work specified by the EDA Planning Grant, the District is managing a 3-year brownfields assessment program for Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Jay counties. The District is also working to meet the stringent EDA criteria to become a recognized Economic Development District in 2012, as well as developing additional projects to advance the entities of the member four-counties.
About Energize-ECI Regional Planning District, Inc.
The Energize-ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. is a multi-county, economic development and planning district governmental agency serving Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Jay counties. The District was formed by the member counties in September of 2009 under Indiana State Statute and is recognized by the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The District serves local governments by fostering a regional vision, providing collaborative leadership, offer professional services to develop effective solutions, and to maximize economic development opportunities to benefit the citizens of the District. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS Report / Plan) managed by the District serves as the guiding document to advance infrastructure improvements and economic development for the District. E. Roy Budd serves as Executive Director of Energize-ECI Regional Planning District, with Pam Price, Brad Bookout and Tom Farris providing the professional staffing to operate and administer District activities, plans and programs.
All team members are well-experienced in grant-writing, strategy development and economic development planning. The District is governed by a 36-member Board of Directors appointed by various governmental entities in the four counties – as specified by statute – plus a Board Member appointed by the Governor of Indiana.
Comprehensive information about the Energize-ECI Regional Planning District, Inc. may be viewed at the District website – www.energize-ecirpd.org. The District may be contacted at P.O. Box 1912, Muncie, IN 47308-1912; by phone 765.254.0116; fax 765.254.1450; and by email [email protected].
Prepared by Tom Farris
P.O. Box 1912
Muncie, IN 47308-1912
Phone: 765.254,0116
Fax: 765.254.1450
Email: [email protected]