Making West Central Indiana a Place of Thriving Opportunity

West Central Indiana is historically robust as the Crossroads of America

And, as we celebrate our history and significance to the State of Indiana, we embrace the opportunity to chart our future and help Indiana compete globally. Close to the Illinois border, West Central Indiana is seizing new opportunities unique to our geographic position as we continue to build momentum in various economic development and quality of place initiatives.

about wabash river rda

Transforming
by the Day

​A new energy of innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration, and commitment to success, driven by a competitive spirit with our neighboring state, is changing the course, and therefore, the future of Indiana’s western communities. The vision is simple: create a place where people want to spend their most precious resource – time. The communities are working together to develop their best attributes, creating a regional environment where people want to live and visit.

CLAY COUNTY

The Home of Popcorn

A stop on the National Heritage Road, Clay County has historical significance beyond West Central Indiana. The home of Orville Redenbacher and Indiana’s Popcorn Festival, Brazil highlights the heritage of Indiana’s official snack food.

PARKE COUNTY

The Covered Bridge Capital

Parke County is home to the largest outdoor festival in the United States, taking place over the course of seven days. People from all over the Midwest travel to Parke County to experience the fall feels of the Covered Bridge Festival.

SULLIVAN COUNTY

The Camping Destination

Known for being a camping destination, Sullivan County continues to make unique investments setting its home-like camping amenities apart from others. Sullivan Lake is not only meant for campers, but swimmers, boating enthusiasts, and fishermen alike.

VERMILLION COUNTY

Little Italy in the Hoosier State

That’s Clinton. Each Labor Day weekend people from all over Indiana and Illinois join Vermillion County residents, ready to experience a version of Italy’s finest offerings, such as real Italian cuisine and the finest wines Italy has to offer.

VIGO COUNTY

The Heart of Renaissance

Another word, rebirth. From new cultural destinations to a revitalized downtown and unique tourism attractions, Terre Haute has made a lot of changes in the last five years. New restaurants. New museums. New venues. New opportunities.

READI

It's An Exciting Time to be in West Central Indiana

The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) is a bold, initiative that will dedicate $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments to attract talent and growth to Indiana. Through the Wabash River RDA, West Central Indiana was recently awarded $20 million

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Latest READI News

"It's Attracting a Lot of Attention," Local READI Projects Give Progress Update

Regional

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Local READI-funded projects got a check-in on Tuesday at a meeting with the Wabash River Regional Development Authority. Indiana's READI Program awards grants for projects to improve the quality of life, place, and opportunity in Hoosier communities. The Wabash River RDA is a group selected to help local leaders decide how to use that money; it oversees Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties.

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READI Accelerates New Housing, Rural Development in West Central Indiana

Clay County

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation joined local and regional officials today in Staunton to cut the ribbon on a new development that will increase housing availability in West Central Indiana. The project, Clay Court development, is part of the Homes for the Future program – a pilot initiative to incentivize homebuilders and developers to build new, age-friendly homes that is being supported by Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).

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Terre Haute takes step forward on new downtown hotels

Vigo County

New hotels at Seventh Street and Wabash Avenue came closer to fruition Wednesday when the Terre Haute Redevelopment Commission voted to authorize the solicitation of offers for property there.

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