State Looks to S. Knox Economy

By Joe King, king@seymourherald.com

TN State Representative Joe Armstrong. (The Herald/ Archived Photo)

Although formally an industrial haven of business, South Knoxville has not been economically prosperous for many years. But with the extended delay in the re-construction of Henley Street Bridge the situation has reached the point to where the Tennessee State Legislator is getting involved.

“The Tennessee Legislature’s role is being an advocate with different agencies in the state government from Economic Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, and in some limited cases even the Department of Revenue,” said State Representative Joe Armstrong (D). “Factors such as the economic recession, in addition to the loss of 3,000 jobs from the closure of the hospital, and the delay in the redevelopment of the old Baptist Hospital and other sites along the waterfront have an effect on the economy of the area.”

Similarly, State Senator Becky Duncan Massey (R) sees the reality of South Knoxville’s economic challenges.