Myths and Facts About Proposed Megasite

The proposed Jefferson County Megasite has brought many questions regarding the particulars of the site. Interest in the project and multiple sources of information has left some residents trying to delve through the mass of conflicting answers. The Post has received several questions regarding the site and requests for accurate information. We consulted multiple sources of information including, but not limited to, Chairman of EDOC George Gantte and Director of EDOC for Jefferson County Garrett Wagley and Scott Brooks of TVA. Wagley has been identified as the managing force for the project in Jefferson County, Gantte has been involved in the project since the inception and Brooks is the Spokesman for TVA in regard to this project. We posed readers questions and compiled the answers from various sources to assist in separating the myths from fact and these are the answers that we received when we posed the most frequently asked questions.

There is already a company on the “hook” for the proposed Megasite.

According to EDOC Chairman Gantte, as well as EDOC Director Wagley, there is no company that is already slotted for the Megasite. The certification firm of McCallum and Sweeny do have extensive contacts in the automotive industry and are aware of the companies that are in the market for a site. The terms of Megasite certification deem that it is not officially marketed until the process is complete.

The Megasite is a part of a TVA program.

TVA has endorsed the certification company and supports the Megasite program in general, however it is not directly involved in the proposed Jefferson County Megasite proposal beyond endorsement of the certification company, which is not to be confused with an official endorsement of this project. According to TVA Representative Brooks, the Jefferson County Megasite was not identified by TVA. The certification company is one that has worked with TVA in the past on sites that were endorsed by TVA and TVA supports economic growth, however there is no plan to assist in any funding or a commitment for an official TVA endorsement at this time. It is possible that TVA could endorse the project after certification and land acquisition.

Jefferson County will shoulder the total financial responsibility for the Megasite project.

Though the County will have a strong financial investment in the project, the organizational assumption, though there are no firm financial commitments, is that funding will be shared between the County and several arms of the State government. The possibility exists that Jefferson County could receive some financial assistance from surrounding Counties that would benefit from the project, however, it is unlikely that they would be a part of site development costs. At this time, there is only the assumption that, due to the State’s interest in the project and past Megasite funding contributions, they will assist with funding. Currently, the only recognized funding source is Jefferson County.

Jefferson County will make a profit on the sale of the land to an automotive company.

Incentives will most likely include the “gifting” of the property, as well as other incentives such as property and sales tax abatements. If there are multiple companies interested in the site, then the possibility of recouping a portion of the investment money spent on the property becomes more likely.

An access road going through Talbott-Kansas Road that would connect the proposed Intermodal to the Megasite is a part of future plans.

According to EDOC, there is a possibility of improvements to the Hart Road area as a connector road of easy access, as well as some widening of a portion of Talbott-Kansas Road. Any widening or road construction at either location is not a part of the first phases of the project. Much will depend on TDOT decisions regarding placement of an additional exit for the Megasite. Connector roads to an Intermodal could be a future consideration, should Norfolk Southern locate the Intermodal in New Market, however rail service is not currently slotted to come from New Market/Jefferson City.

The acquisition company or the certification company is fronting money for the project.

Though EDOC plans to make a funding request of $600,000 during the current fiscal year and an additional $2.4 million for the next fiscal year from the County Commission, EDOC is currently operating on around $500,000 (per financial statements) that is a part of monies that were committed by a split of private and public funds since the inception of EDOC. Neither the acquisition company nor the certification company is currently fronting money.

Any move toward instigating eminent domain must go through the County Commission for approval.

If any arm of the County government seeks to condemn a property or use eminent domain, they must have the approval of the County Commission. The State of Tennessee, however, can enact eminent domain on their own without the approval of the County Commission.

It takes several years for eminent domain to come before the courts.

Should the State or County seek to instigate eminent domain, there is the possibility of fast tracking the requests. The courts would require that the entity seeking eminent domain have sufficient cause and funds would be required that could be assessed by the property owner.