Raymond WalkerDAYTON, Tenn. – Three properties totaling more than 500 acres are available for development as industrial sites in Rhea County, but county commissioners are questioning their ability to finance their purchase.
Raymond Walker, director of the Rhea Economic and Tourism Council, said Tuesday that properties in Spring City next to Spring City Industrial Park, on U.S. 27 near the new Life Care Center and near the Dayton Golf and Country Club have characteristics that make them attractive for industrial development. Walker said each site has adequate utility service and rail access.
County Executive George Thacker said, “I wish we had done this [purchased developable industrial land] 20 years ago.”
Commissioner Ronnie Raper responded, “I was here 20 years ago, and we were in exactly the same position we are today. We didn’t have the money. We couldn’t have done it, or we would have.”
Commission Chairman Jim Reed noted the least-expensive property is $1.9 million.