Friday, September 21, 2018

Cocke County to be asked to fund grading for an industrial prospect
Members of the Cocke County Partnership/Economic Development Commission meeting Thursday were told no new economic projects were announced within the last month however three of the on-going projects are classified as "progressing rapidly." While two other developers have disbanded their plans for local projects Partnership President Lucas Graham said Project Aqua has leased a local building. "This morning we got back the engineering drawings on their infrastructure needs and site plans. We will be presenting a proposal to the CLB (Cocke County Legislative Body)probably within 30 days. The offer on the table is that if we can provide them with the same opportunity they would receive if they went toa county with a shovel ready, pad ready site, they will work with us to invest here. I think that is a very reasonable request." Graham went on to say under the proposal the county would pay the cost of the necessary grading, "and that's something we need to do anyway. It also would mean getting the public infrastructure up to the site, but that also would serve the other sites in that planned park. That would be money well spent." Tourism Director Linda Lewanski reported that the recent Celebrating Cosby in the Smokies national park was a success. Lewanski and Park officials soon will begin planning next year's events. And plans are continuing for a local balloon festival in 2019. Lynn Ramsey of the Chamber reported that plans for the 32nd. Annual Newport Harvest Street Festival are coming along well, and all the entertainment has been booked. She said the JROTC and the Youth Leadership class are assisting with the Festival this year. Ramsey said applications for booths in downtown the first weekend in October, are coming in strong. "Matter of fact we may have to cut off applications this year, we have a higher number than we've ever had, and we are totally booked for entertainment," Ramsey said. More than 100 booths are expected including 20 food booths. Ramsey reminded the board that WNPC Radio will celebrate it's 40th birthday on September 28. On November 15, Lt. Colonel Bob Darling who was in the White House when it was evacuated during the 9/11 event, will speak at Memorial Baptist Church. Tickets for dinner and the speech are $20, and $10 for the speaker alone. Ramsey also reported that the Shop Local campaign is underway, encouraging members of the community to shop locally for Christmas.


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