(Feb. 5, 2020) – According to a story in the Daily Memphian, Gov. Bill Lee has put a pause on the funding needed to complete the Memphis Regional Megasite in Haywood County.
In an interview with Keith Sherley on WNWS 101.5 FM the Governor said he wanted the state to identify a potential tenant for the project. Lee said his administration is still very supportive of the megasite but also believes other opportunities should be pursued that would bring in jobs for the area. Lee cited the recent announcement of an Amazon distribution center as an example.
State Sen. Paul Rose told the Daily Memphian he and other officials, including county mayors, “found out this week from Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe that “not only is it not shovel-ready, but the governor’s put a pause on putting anything in the ground.””
Commissioner Rolfe told The Daily Memphian in November 2019 he would not request more funds for the site for a second straight year. The governor’s $40.9 billion budget, unveiled Monday, did not contain any new funding for the project.
Figures show the state has spent $87 million of $175 million approved for the tract, some of that is to be used to build a 37-mile wastewater pipeline to the Mississippi River, according to Rolfe. At that point, the state was waiting on condemnation lawsuits to be resolved with about 20 families who declined to sign easement agreements for the 18-inch wastewater pipe.*
Of the funding available, water lines would take another $18 million, electricity $13 million, rail $8 million and gas improvements $10 million.
During his interview with WNWS FM, Gov. Lee called the megasite an “asset for West Tennessee” and still fully supports efforts to market and locate potential new industry or industries.
Officials are concerned the delays could result in potential industrial prospects not considering the 4,100-acre industrial site. Plans are to have more conversations with the governor in hopes of swaying his decision.
*This story was taken in part from the Daily Memphian
