An additional $30.7 million for wastewater, a wastewater permit and necessary easements going toward the Mississippi River highlighted a Megasite Authority meeting at the Southwest Tennessee Development District in Jackson, Monday.

“We got the permit, at least to a point, where it will be signed in early May,” said Amy New, of the department of economic and community development. “Once the permits are approved, we will be able to go forward with the additional easements (but) we need to keep working consistently as much as possible on having the workforce in place – when we bring tenants here to look at the site.”

When a wastewater permit is secured, it will allow legal steps to secure easements for the 40-mile pipeline with ample funds to water system.

Moving the Memphis Megasite’s wastewater pipe required filing an amendment to the previous permit application, while holding a public hearing.

In December 2017 – before the latest decision to move the pipe – the Economic and Community Development expected the issue to be resolved before the end of March.

Brownsville attorney Michael Banks, who is charged with obtaining the easements for the piping, updated his visits with prospective landowners.

“I finally got all the appraisals for the landowners who said ‘no,’ and started contacting them about three weeks ago,” Banks said. “Of the first six, three went ahead and signed (so) essentially, we have 15 property owners who have said ‘no’ I have not gone back to.”

Brownsville Mayor Bill Rawls expressed continued optimism about the Megasite.

“I feel better now than I did a year ago,” Rawls said. “I’m not as concerned about the easements, and there is always a prospect.”

(PHOTO: Amy New, assistant commissioner community and rural development – department of economic development and community development updates the Megasite Authority, Monday)
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