NEWPORT-Newport City Administrator Scott Collins announced a meeting was held Monday with Don Hurst of the Cocke County Partnership to discuss methods to lessen the negative impact of the closure of I-40 due to the rockslide that occurred on Oct. 25.

A Town Hall meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Newport City Hall to discuss the issue with government officials and business leaders.

Hurst is inviting officials from the Tennessee Department of Transportation and state and federal representatives to hear the concerns and participate in the discussion.  Staff at City Hall will coordinate with CCP staff to contact all the business interests that are impacted by this disaster.

Items for discussion will include temporary directional signage for the impacted businesses, a possible billboard campaign promoting Highway 25/70 as an alternate route and stating Newport/Cocke County is "open for business", exploring the possibility of hosting sports tournaments, a Civil War living history, concerts, etc. in an effort to make Newport/Cocke County a "destination" for travelers, and any other ideas that are presented during the meeting.