Communities across Indiana will soon find out whether they will share in $500 million that state officials are giving out for regional economic development projects.

The program aims to expedite small- and large-scale projects in communities that would improve quality of life, and retain and attract workers to the area.

Zionsville, Fishers, Anderson, Carmel, Indianapolis, Noblesville and Westfield, along with the Madison and Hamilton counties have partnered to apply for a READI grant to attract, develop and retain talent.

Compared to the earlier program, which was called the Regional Cities Initiative, READI is starting with about four times as much funding.