WARSAW — On Dec. 15, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation chose the Northeast Regional Partnership as one of three regional partnerships to receive $42 million each in project funding.

Earlier this year, Indiana Governor Mike Pence announced the Regional Cities initiative, offering funding for projects that would allow Indiana cities to retain and even grow their populations. Seven regional partnerships formed — the southwest, northeast, north central, northwest, central, east central and west central regions.

Of these, IEDC chose the northeast, north central and southwest partnerships.

In the summer, Kosciusko County announced its intent to join the Northeast Regional Partnership after an extensive survey went out to local businesses and consumers to find out which area they related to most.

According to a news release from Pence’s office, the Northeast Regional Development Authority is the largest in the state with its Road to One Million plan. The plan is to invest $400 million into development projects in 11 counties, including 70 projects over the next 10 years and 38 over the next two years.

One project that is part of the Road to One Million Plan includes $11 million in upgrades to the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts in Warsaw. This includes purchasing approximately 4.5 acres of land and a proposed 25,000 square-foot facility.

The plan also includes a list of greenways and blueways (waterways) including routes in the Warsaw/Winona Lake area.

Other projects that fall under the Road to One Million Plan include upgrades to locations in Fort Wayne, Wabash, South Whitley, Kendallville, Columbia City, Decatur and a list of other locations.

Click here for a video highlighting the Regional Cities initiative.