Regional Governmental Bodies Pass Resolution In Support Of East Tennessee Regional Megasite
Five governmental bodies in East Tennessee have passed resolutions in support of the Jefferson County megasite, saying the development would be of “great benefit” to their areas as well as Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Economic Development Oversight Committee (EDOC) said the megasite planned at the junction of I-40 and I-81 is estimated to create 4,900 jobs and more than $2.7 billion worth of economic impact.
“The megasite has tremendous potential to be an economic driver for the entire region,” said Garrett Wagley, director of development at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. “Jefferson County is taking leadership in this effort, and our county will see a huge benefit from this development. Additionally, the support we are receiving from our neighbors demonstrates that regional leadership recognizes that the benefits of this megasite would reach throughout East Tennessee.”
The Hamblen County Commission in its resolution said, “This body strongly encourages the development of a certified megasite in Jefferson County and fully supports EDOC in its efforts to establish the megasite, attract economic development to the area and to bring hundreds of jobs to the Lakeway Region.”
Automotive News said nine automobile manufacturers have announced plans to expand by 2015. Supplier companies tend to locate near the automakers. Jefferson County plans to pursue certification for the megasite, making it construction ready for a large-scale manufacturer.
The city of Morristown also passed a resolution in support of the megasite and the efforts of EDOC “in furtherance of economic development for the Lakeway Region.”
The Lakeway Area Metropolitan Transportation Planning Committee (LAMPTO) said the megasite minimizes “the risk to companies when they are selecting a site for large plants or facilities requiring massive space or infrastructure.”
The Board of Commissioners of Baneberry, Tennessee, said commissioners encourage “other municipalities of Jefferson County to pass resolutions of support” because the megasite will benefit Jefferson County, Baneberry and other cities in the region.
Jefferson City’s City Council passed a resolution supporting the 1,800-acre site in Jefferson County, saying EDOC “seeks to certify it as a megasite and attract a major automotive manufacturer, associated suppliers, and hundreds of new jobs to the county and region.”
The Jefferson County Commission approved $442,311 for EDOC to continue work on the megasite.
A complete list of resolutions passed by neighboring governments and their full text can be found at http://www.etnmegasite.com under “Project Support.”
About the East Tennessee Regional Megasite
Leading site selection consultant McCallum Sweeney has identified a site in Jefferson County as a prime location for a new megasite, to be called the East Tennessee Regional Megasite. At the junction of I-40 and I-81, this strategically located site in Jefferson County has 1,800-plus acres and the ability to be connected to a nearby railway line, enhancing a company’s ability to ship materials in and product out. It fits perfectly into a gap in the large-scale manufacturing industry across the Eastern United States, ideally situated to benefit from surrounding suppliers, but not close enough to directly compete for labor and resources with any surrounding major manufacturers. The Interstates and railway give direct access to key markets throughout the region and the country.
