Dandridge Limits and Decisions

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Town of Dandridge may soon have to make a decision regarding the Town’s limits and the proposed Megasite. Town of Dandridge Administrator McCarter and Water Management Facility Superintendent Mike Norton stated recently that it will be necessary for the Town to make adjustment to either the boundaries of the Town or lift the current moratorium on providing sewer service outside of the Town. This is not the first time in recent years that the Town has faced the issue of annexation for the purpose of providing sewer. The Jefferson County School Board requested that Dandridge provide sewer to Mount Horeb Elementary School and the Patriot Academy, however the process to extend the area of the new school into Dandridge’s growth boundaries was unable to be completed in a timely manner and the School Board made other arrangements. In response to the request of the School Board, the Urban Growth Boundary Committee opened the floor for extension proposals. In the current growth boundary proposal, Dandridge has already expressed an interest in extending its growth boundaries to the 424 exit, though the Megasite footprint is currently outside the growth boundary proposal. Norton stated that, though it would likely require an upgrade of the current sewer system to handle a manufacturer the size of those that would be attracted to the proposed Megasite, it could be financially beneficial to Town residents who could see a dip in sewer rates. McCarter stated that the drawings are already completed to bring a proposal for growth boundary extension to the area of the proposed Megasite and/or annexation to the Dandridge Board of Mayor and Aldermen for approval. Until the Town has firm information regarding any future exits or access roads, they are still working on projections of the footprint of the project. McCarter said that he is encouraged by the opportunities that may be available to the Town, should the Megasite project garner enough local and State support to make it a reality, and he believes that the Town is well situated to take advantage of the benefits that a Super Manufacturer could bring to the area.