Mayor fights for tax breaks for businesses affected by bridge closure

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett wants new help for struggling South Knoxville businesses, and he's hoping state leaders can make that happen.

The mayor says the ongoing Henley Bridge closure is hitting those businesses hard, and he's hoping to enact new tax breaks to help them for the time being. He went to Nashville this week to make his case to legislature.

Even though the tax breaks will be granted on a local level, state lawmakers still have to allow lawmakers here at home to make that decision.

"You know, East Tennessee, we're not asking for a hand-out, just a hand up. Just allowing us, allowing these folks to stay in business because what will happen is they will close these businesses," said Mayor Burchett.

Burchett says the assistance would likely be in the form of graduated property and sales tax breaks.

Earlier this month, TDOT announced the Henley Bridge would be closed an additional eight months because of extra repairs that are needed.
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Source: http://southknox.wbir.com/news/news/47080-mayor-fights-tax-breaks-businesses-affected-bridge-closure

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