Amazon.com is the company that has plans to build two 1 million-square-foot distribution centers in the Chattanooga area, the Times Free Press has learned.State and local officials on Monday confirmed that Amazon.com is in discussions about locating two fulfillment centers in Chattanooga and Bradley County.
If negotiations are successful, the two projects would represent a combined investment of more than $164 million to create more than 2 million square feet of distribution space and up to 1,400 new jobs over a period of years, officials said.
"We are working diligently with Amazon.com officials to work through outstanding issues on this project," said Gov. Phil Bredesen. "It is my hope that we can bring these discussions to a successful resolution and create a large number of jobs for the people of Tennessee."
The Times Free Press identified Amazon.com earlier today.
Matt Kisber, state commissioner of economic and community development, said that because of the need to move forward at the local level on payment-in-lieu-of tax agreements, it was felt it was important for policymakers at the state and local levels to know who we're in discussions with.
Mayor Ron Littlefield said that in addition to tax incentive agreements, there are other issues to work through at the state and local levels.
He said there are "high hopes of firming up Amazon's investment in the next few weeks."
"Amazon would make a great addition to our local economy," said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. "This is a complex project."
See Tuesday's Times Free Press for full story.