The State of Tennessee is working to determine an alternative incentive package plan, but Kyle Spurgeon, CEO of the Jackson Chamber, remains upbeat about Great Wolf Lodge placing a $150 million family resort in Jackson.
A $20 million commitment from the state of Tennessee to help fund the project, is on hold – for now.
“We’ve been working on this project for a year-and-a-half,” Spurgeon said, “The state legislature was looking to recess, and we were notified by Mark Ezell, the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the money didn’t make it into the essential budget.
“He announced that on a conference call with our team and Great Wolf.”
Headquartered in Chicago, a few of the amenities Great Wolf Lodge offers include an indoor water park, restaurants, arcades and spas.
The facility would be located at Tiger Jones Park, which is located off Ridgecrest Road in northeast Jackson.
The investment would mean 500 jobs for the area – 250 full time – while attracting about 500,000 visitors annually to the Lodge, which will offer 300 hotel rooms.
Great Wolf Lodge has 18 existing lodges in the United States and Canada.
Spurgeon said Great Wolf Lodge and the state of Tennessee are committed to make this project become reality in Jackson.
“The state has been nothing but supportive,” Spurgeon said, “I want everyone to know how supportive the governor’s office, tourism dept and our local legislative delegation has been.
“There is nothing they did quietly. They were above board and transparent.”
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(PHOTO: One of 18 Great Wolf Lodge resorts)
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