Program has now reviewed 516 sites statewide
(UCBJ) – Three counties were selected to participate in the latest round of the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP), according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). The counties are Jefferson, Lawrence and Jackson counties in the Upper Cumberland.
The program, created in 2015, evaluates potential industrial properties and advises counties on industrial site improvements and where investments may be most beneficial. According to the state, the program “has helped improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings across the state.”
“Tennessee holds a clear competitive edge in a company’s site selection process because we can offer shovel-ready sites that let businesses hit the ground running,” said Deputy Gov. and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “As Gov. Bill Lee’s administration comes to a close, his commitment to rural Tennessee will leave a lasting impact. We are grateful for his continued support of programs like PEP and look forward to the economic growth this announcement will bring to Jackson, Jefferson and Lawrence Counties.”
The program provides participating counties guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects and offers recommendations to improve marketability.
“The Property Evaluation Program is an indispensable tool that TNECD makes available to communities, allowing them to build a consensus around which properties offer the most potential to attract future industrial investment and job growth,” said Jonathan Gemmen, senior director at Austin Consulting.
The three counties were selected following the submission of a letter of intent and based on the demonstrated local need for industrial properties and the counties’ ability to assemble properties with viable market potential.
For more information, visit HERE.
Photo via Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.
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