NASHVILLE - Lawmakers on Wednesday abandoned efforts to force Amazon.com to collect sales taxes on its Tennessee transactions, but they threatened to take the issue up again in 2012 if the situation is not resolved.

The decision appears to give the Internet retailing giant a green light to continue building its two giant warehouses - known as "fulfillment centers - in Chattanooga and Bradley County with plans to hire some 1,400 to 1,500 full-time workers and 2,000 seasonal employees.

Amazon has also filed notices with the state that it is interested in building three additional center in Knoxville and Nashville.

"We're grateful to the Tennessee government for recognizing the jobs and investment Amazon will bring to the state," said Dave Clark, vice president of Amazon's North America Operations, in a statement.

He said there is a potential for nearly 3,000 full-time jobs with benefits, another 4,000 seasonal jobs and an estimated $300 million total investment in Tennessee. He noted "this will be a partnership we intend on growing for many years."

Read more in tomorrow's Times Free Press.