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Ford’s Blue Oval Project

West Tennessee Must Be Ready for Community Growth

Posted

JACKSON (November 10) — We are the cusp of something great, said Dr. Keith Carver, Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Martin. He was speaking of the announcement of Ford Motor Company’s Blue Oval Project to members of the WestStar alumni. Dr. Carver said the project has the potential to reshape West Tennessee.

Ford will locate in the Memphis Regional Megasite to build an all-new electric vehicle. It is Ford’s first all-new production facility since the 1960s. It is expected to employ all 5,000 persons with a supplier network that will create 30,000 jobs in the area.

Gabby Bruno, government relations manager for Ford Motor Company, said Ford cannot afford any delays in construction nor workforce development. It is imperative that the counties and communities of West Tennessee prepare for the location of the new assembly plant. After construction, the company will rely on area communities to provide the workforce. To accomplish that, communities must provide a well-educated workforce, housing and other amenities for the people. It will take a cooperative effort among the communities, said Bruno.

Brooxie Carlton, assistant commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, said Tennessee allotted $5 million of strategic planning for area counties and cities. Each governmental entity will have access to a regional plan of development. She said those funds, coupled with the money from the American Rescue Plan and the recently passed federal infrastructure bill should provide lots of funding for broadband, roads and bridges in the area. The Delta Regional Authority also has more funding opportunities for communities.

Bruno said the counties and cities should assure there is adequate residential units, industrial parks, healthcare, childcare and good schools. She said Ford will conduct listening sessions in the communities.