Welcome to River Hills EDD & RPC

River Hills was formed in 1974 along with the other Economic Development Districts in the state of Indiana. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides yearly funding and, as such, defines River Hills' scope of work. The main goal of River Hills is to assist local governments with development needs. One of our yearly requirements is to complete a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the District. This report assesses the problems that exist within each community, rating them by priority and feasibility. The CEDS report maintains the District's eligibility for EDA funding, a major source of infrastructure grants. Since 1990, River Hills has secured secured over $15 million for public facility projects within the five county district. Over $22 million dollars in EDA financial assistance has been received since 1980.

Another important element of the EDA scope of work involves project development services related to the needs of local government. River Hills follows a system of maintaining contact with communities to ensure an awareness of their needs. Because of the District's financial needs for projects such as public facilities and planning activities, River Hills' assistance often comes in the form of project development necessary for the solicitation of grant funding. River Hills also provides guidance, information, advice, and coordination related to issues concerning local government. In addition, River Hills serves as a depository for the most recent census information.

For a fee covering the cost of services, River Hills provides grant administration services for approved projects under contract. These contract revenues make up the remainder and most substantial portion of River Hills' funding. In 2006, River Hills has entered into agreements with both the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to provide services needed by the state and federal government on a regional basis.

However, it is the EDA funding matched by the county funds that enables the project development services to be provided. It is the combination of project development services with project management services that provide the most direct benefit to communities.

In 2006, River Hills began providing grant writing services to the Southern Indiana not-for-profit community.  Through this program, grant research, grant writing, and technical assistance, performed by a professional grant writer, are made available to local organizations for an hourly rate.

Service Area

River Hills serves the following five counties in Southern Indiana: Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, and Washington. Within the five counties there are 33 local units of government with a total population of 251,803. Funding sources and levels for River Hills include a typical annual non-contract level of approximately $99,000. Annually, River Hills receives a grant from the Federal US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). For the year 2006, the EDA grant amount is $51,628. The remaining $49,000 is provided through local country contributions that are requested on a per capita rate.