Expansion on President's Island could generate new jobs

(WMC-TV) - Thousands of new jobs may be generated by an expansion project on President's Island. City and county leaders were briefed on the possible plans Tuesday.

Both mayors are sold on a grand plan to expand aspects of President's Island. They led the discussion at Memphis City Hall.

With a history that includes serving as a camp for freed slaves in the 1860s, President's Island is more recently known for being the fourth largest inland port in the nation.

Memphis and Shelby County leaders are now pitching a multimodal expansion project that would, among other things, open 1,500 additional acres for development, including 75 parcels for future businesses.

The up to $70 million investment would also expand the current rail yard.

"This is not an optional 'We should possibly do this', if we really want to stay in the running, this gives us the opportunity to build it now and really get ahead of the pack," said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.

The grand redevelopment plan would be paid through grants, along with federal, state, local, and private money.

Officials estimate that up to 5,000 new jobs could eventually be generated if new areas are fully developed.

City and county leaders took a MATA bus tour to get a better look at President's Island and where the improvements could be made.

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