UNION CITY (AP) — The new project coordinator for the Ken-Tenn Regional Alliance Development Corp. says he will focus on three river ports in the five-county area.

Brad Thompson, a former congressional aide, says he plans to concentrate on the ports serving Hickman and Fulton counties in Kentucky and Lake, Obion and Weakley counties in Tennessee.

He described the region as "poised for development." The mission of the alliance is to create jobs.

Thompson worked for 15 years as an aide to now-retired U.S. Rep. John Tanner of Union City, Tenn.

The alliance is a partnership between the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee.