NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee is continuing its push to enhance rural site readiness and competitiveness, awarding more than $13 million in Site Development Grants (SDG) to 13 communities across the state. The latest round of funding supports infrastructure improvements, due diligence and site preparation efforts designed to attract future business investment and job creation.
Announced by Gov. Bill Lee and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, the grants are part of Tennessee’s broader strategy to position rural communities for industrial recruitment and Select Tennessee site certification.
“Creating greater opportunity in rural Tennessee has been a priority because the success of our rural communities impacts the entire state,” said Gov. Lee. “These investments help strengthen communities and prepare them for future job creation and economic growth.”
Building Site-Ready Inventory Across Tennessee
The Site Development Grant program, established under the Rural Economic Opportunity Act, provides funding for critical pre-development activities such as grading, infrastructure, engineering studies and property acquisition.
Since 2016, TNECD has awarded 210 Site Development Grants totaling more than $130 million, supporting projects that have helped generate over 8,400 jobs statewide. Economic developers say the program plays a key role in ensuring Tennessee maintains a competitive inventory of project-ready industrial sites.
“Companies across the globe are recognizing Tennessee’s commitment to community and rural development,” said Commissioner McWhorter. “This program signals that our communities are serious about preparing sites for investment.”
2026 Site Development Grant Recipients
The latest funding round supports a variety of readiness activities, from due diligence and master planning to grading, water infrastructure and speculative building development.
Key projects include:
- Timberlake Industrial Park (Lexington) — $5 million for speculative building construction
- Bristol South Industrial Park — $2.5 million for grading and roadway improvements
- Crockett County Industrial Park — $1.6 million for property grading
- Gateway to West Tennessee (Benton County) — $1.18 million for property acquisition
- East Moon Property (Franklin County) — $1.15 million for access roads and due diligence
Additional grants support site planning, clearing and infrastructure development in Greene, Meigs, Stewart, Houston, Dresden, Newport, Savannah, Sequatchie and Sullivan County communities.
Applications were reviewed by an advisory committee including TNECD, Austin Consulting, TVA, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
A Strategic Tool for Rural Growth
For site selectors and corporate decision-makers, Tennessee’s SDG program demonstrates a proactive approach to rural economic development. By investing in site readiness upfront, communities can shorten project timelines, reduce risk and improve their competitiveness for manufacturing, logistics and industrial investments.
Industry observers note that speculative buildings and infrastructure-ready sites are increasingly critical in winning fast-moving projects.
