City council approves land for relocation of TBI lab to Jackson

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson City Council met with some big items on the agenda Tuesday morning, but the big topic of discussion was bringing jobs and tourism to the Hub City.

After rallying support from agencies across West Tennessee, state Sen. Ed Jackson and Madison County Sheriff John Mehr were able to convince the council to approve providing land for the relocation a TBI crime lab to Jackson.

“This could be a good boost and a game changer for law enforcement in West Tennessee,” state Senator Ed Jackson said.

“I commend the sheriff because he birthed this baby from the very beginning and was instrumental in getting a lot of support from the area sheriffs and police chiefs over West Tennessee,” Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist said.

With investigators making weekly trips to the crime lab in Memphis, a lab in Jackson will save agencies thousands each year. The new TBI  lab is expected to be 40,000 square-feet built near the airport. The $25 million project could bring about 100 jobs to Jackson.

With more than 1,600 jobs in tourism and hospitality, the city is looking to increase that by building a convention center.

“We’re already in some preliminary discussions with the owners of the Jackson Generals in building a conference center and Hyatt Place Hotel at the ball park,” Mayor Gist said.

According to the officials with the Jackson Visitors and Tourism Bureau, the only thing holding the city back from securing bigger conventions is a conference space.

“There is a need to do larger conventions, and Jackson would be a great fit being halfway between Memphis and Nashville,” said Executive Director of Jackson Visitors and Tourism Bureau Lori Nunnery.

The City Council also approved the opening of ComeUnity Cafe’s second location, which will open at the Farmers Market on Saturday.

The council also unanimously approved more than $500,000 in budget amendments.

That includes street resurfacing on Vann Drive and equipment for the police department, which includes a quarter of a million dollars for a new south radio tower.