Multiple public records requests regarding the proposed Alcoa South Plant acquisition have been made to the City of Alcoa, the City of Maryville, and Blount County. The purpose was to review any business investment proposal, financial analysis, or supporting documentation related to the acquisition. To date, however, the only document of limited practical value that has been provided is the Intergovernmental Agreement.

The initial $20 million purchase price is not our primary concern. The larger concern is the lack of available information regarding estimated annual operating expenses, initial site stabilization, ongoing remediation, and necessary infrastructure improvements. These potential costs may include, but are not limited to, power towers and high-voltage lines, railroad tracks, chemical concerns, buried waste, road access, sewer, electric, data infrastructure, and other site preparation needs. It is reasonable to anticipate that the IDB may return to the three governments to request funding for all of these expenses. No one seems to have a estimate on capital and operational cost beyond the initial $20 Million ask.

In the interest of transparency, the public should also have a clear understanding of the intended land use and any zoning considerations before a final commitment is made to purchase the property.

At this time, neither the cities nor the county have been able to provide cost estimates or financial projections in response to my requests.

Given the potential long-term financial obligations associated with this property, there is no urgent need to proceed with the purchase until there is a more complete understanding of the total project costs, risks, and intended use.

HISTORY – ON SALE FOR SIX YEARS WITHOUT BUYERS:

The remaining ALCOA BUSINESS PARK LLC properties have reportedly been for sale since January 2020, when the Arconic deed was filed. The fact that the property has remained unsold suggests that potential buyers may recognize the significant challenges and liabilities associated with it.

Throughout these corporate changes, Alcoa retained ownership of the remaining land and has continued attempting to sell it. The lack of buyer interest appears to reflect the complexity and potential burdens associated with the property.

Elected officials in Alcoa have been given suggestions on how the South Plant site could be rezoned in anticipation of a potential population of 200,000 by 2050–2060 while grandfathering in ARCONIC; however, the City of Alcoa showed no interest in rezoning to protect the central city property from AI or heavy dirty industry.

Finally, The City of Alcoa has its own Industrial Board. Any purchases should be the sole responsibility of the City of Alcoa. Take a look at the Intergovernmental agreement for Pellissippi Place Technology Park. This Blount IDB property is also in the City of Alcoa, and the COUNTY has been paying dearly for annual operating expenses. That money should go to County improvement projects not a failed high tech industrial park.