Mega Site Authority says infrastructure done for Ford first phase; 300 acres remain for future development

The Mega Site Authority of West Tennessee told the Finance, Ways and Means committee on Feb. 9 that major infrastructure needed for Ford’s first phase — roads, water and a wastewater treatment plant — is in place and operating. “We started supplying water to Ford in November ’23 and we started taking sewer in summer of 24,” the authority’s representative said, noting TCAT opened on the site in June 2024 to support workforce training.

Committee members pressed whether shifts in Ford’s production plans — away from a fully electric lineup toward combustion engines under new ownership — would change workforce and incentive commitments. The authority said the accountability agreement’s term and job counts have not changed: the agreement remains a ten‑year commitment and the number of jobs promised has not been reduced, though the types of jobs and TCAT curriculum have pivoted. “They did take a pivot… they are doing their best to use the curriculum they have, maybe change that curriculum a little bit to better serve that community,” the presenter said.

Members also asked about remaining acreage and site prospects. The presenter said roughly 300 acres north of State Road 222 remain and the authority is working with local economic development and utility partners to find the highest‑use options, including planning a natural‑gas peaking plant near the TVA substation. The committee closed the segment after members described ongoing supplier engagement and community preparations for the project’s next phases.