On Monday, July 25, the City of Lafayette and Macon County closed on the purchase of 130 acres of property eyed for industrial development.
The 130-acre addition more than doubles the existing footprint of the Lafayette/ Macon County Industrial Park, expanding opportunities for business and industry recruitment to Macon County.
“This is a major step in the right direction for industrial growth in Macon County. This joint investment between the City of Lafayette and the county will allow us to work towards recruiting businesses who provide high-paying jobs for our citizens,” Steve Jones, Macon County Mayor, said.
Macon County, with the assistance of the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD) and Tennessee Central, secured a $1 million Site Development Grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to assist with the purchase of the site known locally as the Donoho property. In addition to the Site Development Grant award by TNECD, the City of Lafayette and Macon County contributed $800,000 each toward the $2.6 million purchase price of the site.
The development of this project has been a long-term investment by local leadership and key regional partners such as the Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association, Tennessee Central Economic Authority, Upper Cumberland Development District, TN Economic & Community Development, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The property has undergone thorough research in order to reach this point including site testing and a comprehensive master plan.
“I remember when this site was first identified as a potential industrial property over five years ago,” recalls Megan Choate, Director of Economic Development at UCDD. “Many hours have been invested by many individuals and organizations to reach this exciting point. We are thrilled for the community and grateful to have been part of the process.”
“I applaud the leadership of Macon County and the City of Lafayette both past and present who invested in the future of their citizens and are committed to the continued development of the property that was secured this week,” said Mark Farley, UCDD Executive Director.
