Gov. Lee visits West Tennessee as part of America 250 tour

STANTON, Tenn. — Gov. Bill Lee brought his America 250 tour to West Tennessee, making stops in Madison and Haywood counties as part of a year-long celebration honoring Tennessee’s role in shaping the nation.

Lee is visiting all 95 counties before the Fourth of July. The governor stopped at Blue Oval City in Stanton, calling it a particularly special location for Tennessee.

“This is a particularly special spot for Tennessee and for me because it’s a vision that we believe is really important is to find skilled pathways for young men and women across this state to find meaningful employment and when Blue Oval City was announced it created a real opportunity that was once in a lifetime,” Lee said.

The governor’s visit raised questions about what is next for Blue Oval City.

The Ford campus in Stanton was once expected to bring thousands of jobs to West Tennessee, with the state putting up nearly $1 billion in incentives. Trucks were originally supposed to come off the line by 2026 but have been delayed.

Lee said he met with a student at the facility who told him about his future at Blue Oval City despite delays.

“That’s one story of what will be hundreds of thousands of stories across the state in a region that will see generational change by the opportunity that’s presented,” Lee said.

The governor’s America 250 tour continues across the state through the Fourth of July. Lee also made a stop in Madison County where he greeted friends at the Old Country Store.

For more local news, click here.