Marion-Franklin border change bill goes to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Arkansas-Tennessee Live Blog
photo Bill Haslam

NASHVILLE - Legislation altering the boundary line between Marion and Franklin counties is on its way to Gov. Bill Haslam after the House took final action on the bill today.

The measure, previously approved by the Senate, passed 97-0.

Rep. David Alexander, R-Winchester, said the change would bring 56 parcels of mountain property, currently part of Franklin, into Marion County.

The reason, Alexander said, is a development on mountainous terrain that includes property in both counties. The private developers had built a road to the property on the Marion County side and it is inaccessible from Franklin County.

Both Marion and Franklin counties' commissions have approved the boundary change, said Alexander, who didn't recall the name of the mountain involved nor the total acreage of property.

Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, asked whether the change in any way "opens up access to the Tennessee River from any bordering states."

"Absolutely not, sir," Alexander told Dean.

Georgia, which borders Tennessee in Marion County, has long sought access to the river to address its water needs. Tennessee officials have refused.