NASHVILLE, Tenn. –The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today the three counties selected to participate in the latest round of the Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP).
The counties are Chester, Cumberland and Putnam.
PEP evaluates potential industrial properties, advising counties on industrial site improvements and where investments may be most beneficial. Since its inception in 2015, PEP has helped improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings across the state, with 525 sites being reviewed.
“The Property Evaluation Program marks the first step of our crucial site development program, which is essential to the economic development success we have experienced,” said Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “Having a shovel-ready site can be the difference between landing a project and not landing one, and I look forward to the growth this will bring to Chester, Cumberland and Putnam Counties.”
The program originates from the TNECD Certified Sites Program. With assistance from site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP provides participating counties guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects.
PEP includes an educational webinar on the site selection process, an on-site visit by Austin Consulting and TNECD and a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and development opportunities for each community’s inventory of potential new industrial sites.
“The Property Evaluation Program empowers communities to take a fresh look at their current and potential industrial sites,” said Jonathan Gemmen, Senior Director at Austin Consulting. “In many instances, this exercise encourages community leadership to build consensus around which properties are most competitive and worthy of near-term site readiness investment.”
The three counties were selected based on the demonstrated local need for industrial properties and the county’s ability to assemble properties with viable market potential.
The application process begins with a submission of a letter of intent, which is accepted at any time. Upon receipt of the letter, interested communities will receive the PEP application. A new round of communities will be accepted into the program with letters of intent due by January 14, 2027.
Visit here to learn more about the program or submit a letter of intent.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state’s primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee’s competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contacts
TNECD
Chris O’Brien
Public Information Officer
(615) 934-5879
Chris.OBrien@tn.gov