Franklin County has been awarded more than $1.1 million in state funding to further develop and expand the East Moon industrial site, a major step forward in the county’s long-term economic development efforts.
Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess announced Thursday night at the Franklin County Republican Party Chili Supper that the county had been notified by the state that it would receive a $1,155,075 Site Development Grant through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD).
The funding will be used to improve access and infrastructure at the East Moon rail site — commonly referred to locally as the Moon property — including access road construction, property clearing, and due diligence work. County leaders say the improvements will make the site more attractive and competitive for future industrial and business recruitment.
“This is a significant investment in Franklin County’s future,” Guess said. “We’re thankful the state sees the potential here. At the same time, we’re committed to maintaining our identity as Franklin Countians and Tennesseans as we grow.”
Guess credited strong local and state partnerships for helping secure the grant, thanking Senator Janice Bowling and Representative Iris Rudder for their advocacy, along with Pam Kreidenweis, Director of Economic Development for Franklin County, and county staff who worked through the application process.
The East Moon site consists of approximately 136 acres located within the Franklin County Industrial Park. The property features frontage on U.S. Highway 64, sits adjacent to a divided four-lane highway, and is located just 12 miles from Interstate 24. The site also offers more than 1,000 feet of rail exposure along its northern boundary, a key asset for industrial users.
According to state officials, Franklin County’s award was part of a larger announcement by Governor Bill Lee and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, who named 13 communities across Tennessee as recipients in this round of Site Development Grants. More than $13 million was awarded statewide to help rural and growing communities invest in infrastructure that prepares sites for future economic investment.
Since 2016, TNECD has awarded more than 210 Site Development Grants totaling over $130 million. Projects supported by the program have helped generate thousands of jobs across Tennessee by improving sites that later landed industrial development.
Local leaders say continued investment in the East Moon property positions Franklin County to compete more effectively for new employers while supporting long-term job creation and economic stability.
Additional information about the East Moon property and other available industrial sites in Franklin County can be found at franklincountyidb.com.
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