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ECD requests $122M budget move, seeks funds for nuclear supply chain, quantum and rural programs
Summary
Commissioner Stuart McWhorter told the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee the department’s FY27 request emphasizes large, targeted investments — $25M for a nuclear supply‑chain fund, $20M for quantum infrastructure and $25M for rural development — and the committee voted to move the $122 million budget to finance.
Commissioner Stuart McWhorter presented the Department of Economic and Community Development’s FY27 budget request and framed it as “the continuation of that vision … ensuring that the progress made over the past several years is sustained and that Tennessee remains well positioned for future success.”
McWhorter walked the committee through line items including a $25,000,000 nonrecurring request for a nuclear supply‑chain investment fund, $20,000,000 nonrecurring for the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, $25,000,000 nonrecurring for a rural development program and a $20,000,000 nonrecurring request for a Quantum Infrastructure Initiative. He also sought $2,000,000 (split $1,000,000 recurring and $1,000,000 nonrecurring) for AgLaunch, $1,500,000 nonrecurring for the flight incentive program, and $2,500,000 nonrecurring for an ETSU Eastman Valley Brook lab project. McWhorter said the nuclear fund has helped attract “more than 3,000 new jobs and almost $11,000,000,000 of capital investment” since 2023.
Senators asked about power availability for high‑demand projects and local infrastructure needs. McWhorter said Tennessee Valley Authority conversations have shifted toward creative partnerships — including behind‑the‑meter generation and power‑purchase arrangements — and that ECD is coordinating with utilities and industry partners on energy and transmission timelines. On the Coffee County megasite, deputy Alan Borden told members the state has acquired nearly 2,000 acres and is pursuing roughly $40,000,000 in water/wastewater and connector‑road work to prepare the property for large projects.
After questions, the committee voted to move the ECD $122,000,000 budget to the committee on finance; the clerk recorded eight ayes on the motion.
