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ECD seeks millions for nuclear supply chain, quantum infrastructure and entertainment incentives
Summary
ECD asked for $25M for a nuclear supply‑chain fund, $20M for entertainment incentives, $25M for rural development and $20M for quantum infrastructure aimed at leveraging federal matches. The commissioner emphasized state assets such as Oak Ridge and the state's track record in recruiting energy and manufacturing projects.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development presented a wide portfolio of FY27 asks to the House committee, prioritizing industry recruitment, rural development and emerging technology infrastructure.
Commissioner Stuart McWhorter highlighted $25 million requested for a nuclear supply‑chain investment fund and said that since the fund’s creation in 2023 it has helped attract more than 3,000 net new jobs and roughly $10.9 billion in capital investment. "Since the creation of this fund in 2023, the fund has helped attract more than 3,000 net new jobs and more than $10,900,000,000 in capital investment," McWhorter said. He also proposed $20 million in nonrecurring support for the Tennessee Entertainment Commission to scale film and production infrastructure and $20 million for quantum infrastructure designed to unlock federal matching dollars and connect Oak Ridge and Chattanooga assets.
Lawmakers pressed ECD about carryforward balances for nuclear funds and about how the entertainment commission’s incentives compete with other states. ECD said much of the carryforward is already obligated under contracts and that the quantum request is conditional on federal matching; officials said they would not deploy state dollars unless matching funds were available. Committee members asked for additional documentation on pipeline projects, match commitments and program administration ahead of appropriation decisions.
