Crossville-Cumberland County Break Ground On New Building Pad

Crossville and Cumberland County officials broke ground on 200,000 sqaure foot building pad today.

“Hopefully it’s a positive thing that will generate higher wages, create more jobs for the community, and keep our people from having to travel out of town to work,” Crossville Mayor James Mayberry said. “We are very appreciative of the state and the county for joining in with us.”

Last year, The state awarded a $500,000 grant to construct the pad at the industrial park off of I-40 and Highway 127.

The city and county each provided $250,000 for the project.

Mayberry said having the site pad ready will make it more attractive for potential industry.

“If you build a building, it may not be exactly what they wanted,” Mayberry said. “We can also be qualified for site selection process through the state, which we will be marketed on state websites for potential industry and not just our own.”

The city purchased the industrial park in 2011 and has worked to make it more attractive to industry. Right now the business park houses FedEx, Mountain Farm International, and Tennessee Ice Company, Stowers Machinery Store, a potato chip distribution center, and a warehouse occupied by Colinx.

There’s also a lot designated for truck driving schools, which Mayberry said is important because of the lack of available truck drivers.

The business park still has room for growth. Mayberry said there’s about 25 acres that can be developed.