When Governor Bill Haslam delivers his State of the State address next Monday, he’s likely to say how much money he’ll ask the legislature to appropriate for the Memphis Megasite.
Bob Rolfe, Tennessee’s commissioner of economic and community development, made the comment during a Megasite Committee meeting at the Southwest Tennessee Development District in Jackson, Monday.
During the hour-long session attended by legislators, local politicians and other Megasite stakeholders, Rolfe confirmed that the wastewater piping is being moved, and the plan remains to have the site near shovel ready this year.
“I don’t want to leave you with the impression we’d get 100 percent shovel-ready,” Rolfe said. “We see a pathway this year to knock down the gating items.”
The commissioner didn’t say how much money the governor will ask for, but ECD says $80 million needs to be spent.
Rolfe said if the wastewater permit can be secured, legal steps completed to secure easements for the 40-mile pipeline and enough money appropriated to take care of the water system, recruiters will have “removed the real challenge.”
What’s required in the latest pipeline change?
Rolfe said moving the Memphis Megasite’s wastewater pipe requires filing an amendment to the previous permit application, holding a new public hearing allowing the public to comment and reconsideration by the Tennessee Department of Environment.
The outfall, which dumps into the Mississippi River adds about four miles to the pipeline, but ends near a high bluff where the river is 100 feet deep, according to Commissioner Rolfe.
Rolfe said if there aren’t other hurdles the permit might be obtained as early as mid-April.
In December 2017 – before the latest decision to move the pipe – ECD 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, said he’s obtained the rights from 158 property owners and expects to win agreement from another handful.
Banks says there are less than 30 landowners who have refused the state’s offer.
The attorney general’s office will begin court proceedings anticipated to order the landowners to allow the pipe to cross their property.
(PHOTO: Bobby Rolfe (right), Tennessee commissioner of economic and community development talks with Curtis Halford (R-Dyer) State Representative District 79)
Carlton Veirs, Brownsvilleradio.com, Brownsville Press, 101.5 FM, WNWS.COM
