KING SPORT: The Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam wanted to get out during a recent discussion held at the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce was that current funding streams won’t maintain the state’s transportation infrastructure or address its long-term needs.But another not-so-subtle message was embedded in the state’s transportation presentation.
Without public investment, economic development does not happen. As an example, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) noted it is spending $11.8 million to support Eastman Chemical Co.’s (ECC) $1.6 billion “Project Inspire” effort and more than 6,600 Kingsport area jobs.That TDOT investment is on display right now in the form of an under-construction pedestrian bridge going over Wilcox Drive and leading to a new Corporate Business Center expected to open later this year.
Street, sidewalk and traffic light improvements are also part of that investment.“Eastman appreciates the strong partnership in place with the state and TDOT for Project Inspire,” Eastman spokeswoman Tracy Kilgore said in an email. “We especially commend TDOT for its exceptional collaboration with Eastman, the City of Kingsport and Sullivan County to construct the pedestrian bridge on Wilcox Drive in a safe and timely manner.
