NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today the three counties selected to participate in the latest round of the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP).

The counties are Roane, Humphreys and Tier 4, Distressed Clay.

PEP evaluates potential industrial properties, advising counties on industrial site improvements and where investments may be most beneficial. Since its inception in 2015, PEP has helped improve the inventory of industrial sites and buildings across the state, with 511 sites being reviewed.

“Access to shovel-ready sites is a vital factor in attracting economic development projects to Tennessee,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “Our success in securing new investments and job creation across the state is due in large part to the strong partnerships we maintain with local leaders, and I commend Roane, Humphreys and Clay Counties for recognizing the value of this program and for their commitment to advancing regional growth.”

The program originates from TNECD’s Select Tennessee Certified Site Program. With assistance from site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP provides participating counties guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects.

PEP includes an on-site visit by Austin Consulting and TNECD, an educational webinar on the site selection process and a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and needs of each community’s inventory of industrial sites. This assessment also offers recommendations to improve marketability.

“More often than not, the finalist sites visited during an industrial site search have been part of a local community’s planning efforts for a decade or more,” said Jonathan Gemmen, senior director at Austin Consulting. “Tennessee’s Property Evaluation Program enables a thoughtful and strategic approach to the early stages of the process, fostering consensus among local leaders around these critical initial decisions.”

These counties were selected based on the demonstrated local need for industrial properties and the county’s ability to assemble properties with viable market potential. The application process begins with a submission of a letter of intent, which is accepted at any time. Upon receipt of the letter, interested communities will receive the PEP application. A new round of communities will be accepted into the program in the with letters of intent due by January 15, 2026. Visit here to learn more about the program or submit a letter of intent.