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On Friday, February 3, 2023, TVA and the Port of Memphis reached an exciting new milestone for the Allen Restoration Project—the implosion of the three 400-foot-tall stacks at the retired Allen Fossil Plant. Removal of the stacks bring TVA and the Port of Memphis one step closer to the shared goal of restoring the site for future economic development.

The Allen site is a critical component of the Port master redevelopment plan. Initially implemented in 2019, this plan includes major infrastructure upgrades to Presidents Island and a short, middle, and long-range plan to help maximize the impact of 2,300 acres of under-developed industrial land in the adjacent Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park.

“This site, once fully remediated, will offer a one-of-a-kind economic development opportunity for businesses wanting to access the nation’s 8th largest inland port.” –   Al Bright, EDGE, Board Chair

Located on 500 acres adjacent to McKellar Lake and within minutes of downtown Memphis, the International Port of Memphis is recognized globally for its multi-modal distribution and logistics capabilities.

“The International Port of Memphis offers exceptional rail, road, and water connectivity. The Allen site will offer one of the largest economic development opportunities this area has seen in decades.” – Randy Richardson, Executive Director, Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission

The Port, which includes Presidents Island and Pidgeon Industrial Park, is the second largest inland port on the shallow draft portion of the Mississippi River, and the 8th largest inland port in the United States. Encompassing both sides of the Mississippi River from river Mile 725 to Mile 740, there are 68 water fronted facilities within its 15-mile reach.

Centrally located at one of the few points in the U.S. where cargo can cross the Mississippi River by rail and truck, cargo arriving at the Port of Memphis can reach more major markets overnight by truck than from any other city in the U.S.

In 2022, the Port had a $6.25B economic impact, creating 5,361 direct jobs and 8,494 indirect jobs, and generated over $71M in annual City and County tax revenue.