UPDATE: The announcement of a massive $11.3 billion industrial campus in Bradley County has sparked both curiosity and concern among local residents. Known as ‘Project River,’ this venture aims to establish a power plant utilizing natural gas and biomass from forests to independently generate up to 1,500 MW of electricity.
The property, owned by the Wright Family, has been earmarked for this ambitious project. Lukas Salyer, President of Wright Industrial Group, and Mitchell Simpson, President and CEO of Wright Brothers, emphasized the project’s scope, stating, “This site is bigger than just a potential data center… We are looking at 500 MW of biomass power and 1,000 MW of gas.”
The leaders highlighted the unique energy strategy, explaining, “We are our own customer. We are making our own power behind the meter. We are making our own processed water… This is renewable energy.”
Despite assurances from developers, some residents, like Jon Ellis, are skeptical. Ellis expressed his opposition, citing environmental concerns and a lack of transparency. “I heard of Project River this morning when everybody else heard about it. This is something that has been in the works for years and has been going on behind closed doors,” he stated.
Ellis, whose property borders the proposed site in three areas, is particularly worried about noise levels and environmental impacts. “We will oppose this annexation and this development every step of the way as long as there is a square inch of land to fight for,” he declared.
Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis addressed the transparency issues, sharing his thoughts on Facebook: “I’ve tried throughout this entire discussion to lead with transparency and facts… I’m not going to fill in the gaps with rumors or speculation just to have something to say.”
Mayor Davis differentiated the 850-acre Project River site from another 385-acre property previously discussed for annexation, noting that these are separate developments.
Currently, the land remains zoned for agriculture, and any transition to industrial use will require county approval and comprehensive environmental surveys. Two community meetings are scheduled for public discussion:
- September 1, 2026 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm at PIE Center, 2337 Parker St. NW, Cleveland
- September 12, 2026 – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at PIE Center, 2337 Parker St. NW, Cleveland
PREVIOUS STORY: The sprawling Project River, anticipated to be one of East Tennessee’s largest private investments, is set on an 850-acre parcel owned by the Wright family. The development promises to revitalize the local forestry sector by increasing demand for timber.
Planned to unfold over five years, the project aims to be self-sustaining, reducing the burden on local power and water resources. “We live, work, and raise our families in this community,” the Wright family emphasized in a news release, committing to enhancing local schools and public services.
For more information on Project River, residents can visit the project’s website or contact the team via email at info@projectriver.energy.
Original Story at www.local3news.com