Crockett County industrial site certified
On Tuesday, October 22, Governor Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced four new Select Tennessee Certified Sites with the Bivens Site in Friendship sponsored by Crockett County Industrial Board and Crockett County Government being one of the four certified.
The Select Tennessee program, which launched in 2012, helps communities prepare industrial sites for private investment and job creation. The program sets rigorous standards to give companies detailed and reliable information during the site selection process.
Crockett County is home of one of these newest certifications out of 61 that have previously been certified.
“This shows anyone looking to bring their industry to Crockett County that we are ready to accommodate them with a site ready for them, with all utilities and environmental studies completed,” said Crockett County Chamber Director Charlie Moore. “This started around six years ago and with Austin Consulting’s certification, it makes our site more appealing to industry. The Select Tennessee program also puts our site out there for industries to see as a favorable site.”
“One of the first things we are asked when we are recruiting new and expanding business to our state is if we have shovel-ready sites. With the assistance of Select Tennessee Certified Site program, we are giving opportunities for communities across the state to be better prepared for economic growth. I congratulate the four communities and look forward to seeing what is in store for them in the future,” said Commissioner Bob Rolfe.
To date, 23 companies have invested over $1.8 billion in capital investment to construct facilities on certified sites, accounting for more than 7,200 new job commitments.
“The State of Tennessee is widely recognized by site selectors and corporate leaders as a low tax, business friendly location. The select Tennessee Certified Sites program helps connect prospective job creators to high-quality sites where they can locate, grow and support local communities,” said TNECD partner, Austin Consulting Location Consultant Charles Slife.
The Select Tennessee certification process ensures that each certified site meets high quality standards. Qualifications for certification include having at least 20 acres of developable land for industrial operations, documented environmental conditions and geotechnical analysis, existing onsite utilities or a formal plan to extend utilities to the site and truck-quality road access.
The Select Tennessee suite of programs, including Property Evaluation program and the Site Development Grant program, ensures that Tennessee sites are primed for development, whether through marketing sites that are ready for prospective businesses or providing local communities guidance and funding to achieve a higher level of preparedness.
“Congratulations to the four communities that have met the rigorous requirements in this round of the Select Tennessee Certified Sites program. By utilizing this program, these communities will be better positioned to recruit new businesses and jobs. I applaud them for fostering economic growth in their communities and look forward to seeing their future success,” said Governor Lee.
