FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Northeast Indiana's push to receive funding from the state's Regional Cities initiative is among the top 3.

That according to members of the Regional Cities Strategic Review Committee, who will narrow it down even further to two winners, according to the Journal Gazette. The final three contenders are the Fort Wayne, South Bend and Evansville areas, all vying for their share of $42-million in state grants for projects aimed at improving quality of life in an effort to attract businesses and young workers. 

The Regional Cities Initiative is the brainchild of Governor Mike Pence, who first proposed the idea last year. Winners will be announced next month.