Large Crowd On Hand For 16th Annual Legislative Breakfast

The Cocke County Partnership presented its 16^th annual Legislative Breakfast. Businesses and community members from across Cocke County gathered to enjoy a good breakfast and listen to updates from federal, state, county and local officials. Among those addressing the crowd were representatives from US Senators Marsha Blackburn & Bill Hagerty’s offices, plus a representative from US Repo. Diana Harshbarger’s office. A special guest was also there from the federal level. US Congressman from Tennessee’s 6^th congressional district, John Rose was invited to make a few remarks. Rose is a candidate for the republican nomination for Governor in Tennessee.

Those from the state level were Senator Steve Southerland, who gave an update on the situation with FEMA and the Cocke County jail. The senator was quick to point out that democrats in the US house and senate have forced a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Southerland says that shutdown only puts FEMA farther behind in assisting Cocke County.

State Rep. Jeremy Faison, who is not running for re-election, announced $5 million in funding that will help rebuild the Pigeon River in Cocke County. He says that will provide an incredible boost to the local economy when completed.

Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis spent much of his time speaking about the progress that has been made in the county since the disaster that was Hurricane Helene. He also stated that the Cocke County Innovation Park’s first phase is set to be complete this fall, and a site visit with an unnamed business is set for later this month. Mathis also pointed out that another 80 acres will be developed once the first phase is complete.

Finally, Newport Mayor Trey Dykes spoke on the progress being made in downtown Newport. The mayor pointed out that a plan is in the works to expand Main Street from downtown all the way to Cope Blvd. That expansion will help tie downtown Newport to the Industrial Road area. One bad news item that Mayor Dykes revealed is the US 321 Newport Bypass. Because of the Hurricane Helene Disaster and the damage done to Interstate 40 between Hartford and the state line, TDOT has shifted resources to that project, delaying the completion of the Newport Bypass. That four lane highway will link the Parrottsville area to the west side of Newport, easing traffic congestion in downtown Newport. That project was slated to be completed last fall, but now is projected to be completed by sometime in the middle of 2027.