More than 200 West Tennessee area business owners, elected officials, and community organizations praise Senator Blackburn’s efforts to keep Ford’s BlueOval City project on track
Brownsville, Tennessee – More than 200 West Tennessee area residents, business owners, elected officials, faith-based leaders, non-profits, and other community organizations have joined forces with the Brownsville Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and signed a letter to United States Senator Marsha Blackburn urging her continued support to preserve the federal production tax credit that enables ongoing investment in BlueOval City. A copy of the letter was also provided to Senator Bill Hagerty and Congressman David Kustoff.
“We are writing to express our strong support for the BlueOval City project in Tennessee and respectfully request that you continue to consider the positive economic impact from this project on our region as Congress contemplates changes to the Federal Production Tax Credit that could put this investment at risk,” the letter urges. “The economic impact of this investment on this region cannot be overstated.”
BlueOval City is already having an incredible positive impact on the local economy and created thousands of construction jobs. Small businesses in the area are benefiting from the growing local workforce with more customers visiting nearby hotels, restaurants and shops. Haywood County and other taxing authorities are receiving tax revenue benefits from the project that will grow to millions of dollars annually once the plant opens.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity for a rural community that has never seen this scale of jobs and investment.” said Sheree Douglas, Executive Director of the Brownsville Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. “The auto industry has the highest economic job multiplier of any manufacturing segment, and we have the potential to experience this significant positive economic impact right here in West Tennessee because of Ford’s multi-billion-dollar investment to build BlueOval City.”
BlueOval City will create approximately 6,000 direct jobs in our state and thousands more indirect jobs. Projections show that the entire project could draw up to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. These jobs will strengthen our communities and provide quality employment opportunities for residents.
“These jobs will also attract skilled talent throughout the region, helping to grow the manufacturing talent pipeline as well as to stimulate additional tax revenue for schools, small business growth, new housing, retail and other services, further revitalizing the community,” said Douglas. “High school students would no longer have to leave the area seeking employment but now have the option to stay in this wonderful community and raise a family.”
Ford has also demonstrated their commitment to the project and to the community through their engagement efforts including event sponsorships, donations and volunteer events. Earlier this year, Ford introduced its $9 million Good Neighbor Plan based on input from area residents and the Equitable Growth Advisory Council which was created to help identify and remove barriers that might prevent area residents from participating in future economic growth.
Ford has already made over $30 million in donations to the local area surrounding BlueOval City. These actions highlight Ford’s commitment not just to manufacturing in America, but to being a true community partner that strengthens the fabric of our local areas.
