MORRISTOWN’S EAST TENNESSEE PROGRESS CENTER TO RECEIVE STATE GRANT

On Wednesday, March 22nd Governor Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced that Morristown will receive a $500,000 grant to continue development of their newest industrial park. The Site Development Grant program, part of the larger Rural Economic Opportunity Act passed in 2016, helps communities prepare industrial sites for businesses.

 “Providing more opportunities for citizens in rural Tennessee is one of our top priorities and with the assistance of the Site Development Grants, the rural communities receiving these grants will be ready for investment and economic success,” Haslam said.

 “I want to congratulate all 18 communities on being awarded the Site Development Grants,” Rolfe said. “These grants are designed to assist rural Tennessee communities to be better equipped for economic growth. We are proud to see these communities investing in themselves and anticipate seeing each community thrive in our state.”

Marshall Ramsey, President of the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, said that “the City of Morristown has been a champion in industrial development beginning with the 2nd municipally owned industrial park in the State of Tennessee built in 1961.  Hamblen County is the 3rd smallest county in the State of TN in land mass, but is home to over 100 manufacturing companies representing 7 countries and 12 fortune 500's. “

The grant will allow for extension of a road in the East Tennessee Progress Center (ETPC) Industrial Park.  ETPC is Morristown’s 3rd and newest industrial park consisting of over 900 acres lying adjacent to Exit 8 off Interstate 81. Mayor Gary Chesney said “This grant will serve not only a 116 acre site consisting of a fifty acre graded pad, but will also serve four other sites ranging from 25-85 acres in size. Our community works hard to support our industrial base and we look forward to the growth of new businesses in this area”

Morristown Utility System is also a very strong partner to the City in the development of this park, providing water, sewer, and power to the City. City Administrator Tony Cox stated that “In addition to these utilities, MUS brings a 1 gig fiber optic network to the site. This network is installed today, serving not only this park but the entire City. This network makes Morristown one of only seven fiber-to-the-home communities in the State of Tennessee, giving a tremendous advantage to our community.”

Chesney expressed his appreciation by saying, “On behalf of the City of Morristown and the Industrial Board of the City of Morristown TN, I would like to thank the State Department of Economic and Community Development for their continuing support of economic development in Morristown. They not only help in marketing, but assist communities to invest in the critical infrastructure needed to recruit new and retain existing companies in our community. This partnership is vital for the growth of Morristown and East Tennessee."