Jackson Co. Looking To Establish An Industrial District

The Jackson County Industrial Board is in negotiations for a tract of land to establish an industrial district.

The land is located between Gainesboro and Interstate 40 in the south end of the county. Chairman Jim Birdwell said the board looks to bring in more jobs with industries  interested moving into the county.

“The overall goal with this land is to be able to get a larger enough tract that would justify being able to put the infrastructure costs to the property,” Birdwell said. “So the cost of development per acre will be as little as possible, because we have to remain competitive with all other areas.”

Birdwell said if purchased, the proximity to the interstate would be a main selling point for manufacturers. Birdwell said the county is now waiting for a price from the owner.

“The land has been appraised at a fair market value,” Birdwell said. “However, we have not yet heard back from the owner of the real estate. So, that is yet to be determined. We are just in the early stages.”

Once a price is agreed upon, Birdwell said the county will take an option on the land to conduct soil testing for future development. Birdwell said the costs for installing utilities for the area would also be reviewed.

“The sooner we can get it accomplished the better,” Birdwell said. “Of course, we are at the mercy of everything else that has to take place, but the sooner we can get the land and get it developed, because it takes time to develop the land. While industries are looking for locations, we want to have ours ready.”

According to Birdwell, the county has lost industry opportunities in the past to other sites. Birdwell said this tract of land is currently the only option under negotiations.