Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on Wednesday made two additional appointments to the Megasite Authority of West Tennessee.
Tipton County Mayor Jeff Huffman and Charlie Tuggle will join the 11-person board, which will provide oversight for the new $5.6 billion project from Ford.
“The Megasite Authority will play an important role in the success of this historic project, and these qualified Tennesseans bring the expertise needed for the site to thrive,” said Gov. Lee. “I am confident they will lead with integrity and look forward to their service.”
Huffman has served as the mayor of Tipton County for over 35 years and has a deep connection to the Megasite. Tuggle serves as the executive vice president and general counsel for First Horizon National.
The announcement follows Lee appointing Clay Bright, who previously worked as Lee’s Commissioner of Transportation, to lead the group as the Chief Executive Officer.
“The Megasite Authority will ensure the success of this historic project, and Clay brings the dedication and expertise needed to lead that group,” said Gov. Lee at the time. “His proven success in managing complex projects, successful tenure at the Department of Transportation, and dedication to serving Tennesseans make him the perfect fit.”
The project that the group will oversee will include the construction of a 3,600-acre campus called Blue Oval City, which will be the location of a new electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facility.
The investment will bring approximately 5,800 new jobs in West Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
Additionally, connected to Blue Oval City, the state of Tennessee will develop a new Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), in order to provide students with education and training designed in conjunction with Ford.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Wow! More retreads that apparently drank the Ford Kool-Aide brewed up by Lee. I figure Lee will run for a place in Congress next what with all this experience with blowing big wads of tax dollars.
Electric vehicles are not sustainable. Batteries are very expensive and will need to be charged using….coal or gas. Why don’t ya put up a wind farm while you’re at it. Who knew the leadership in Tennessee was just as stupid as California’s leadership
So crazy to see the excitement ab Ford facility coming to TN especially being Ford was the first to say all employees must be fully vaccinated to work here! Ford will not have enough employees if they come to Tn bc we won’t comply with the King!
Our governor is so weak, meak and afraid. He’s a follower and not a leader.