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$5.5 million more for Walnut Street Bridge, $500K for eviction prevention

Unexpected repairs forced a $5.5 million increase to the Walnut Street Bridge restoration contract, approved by City Council.

Repair work underway on the Walnut Street Bridge on Aug. 27, 2025. (Photo/William Newlin)

$5.5 million more for Walnut Street Bridge

Council approved increases to two Walnut Street Bridge contracts. One will provide $5.1 million more to Southern Road and Bridge for unforeseen steel repairs, light shades, and security cameras. The amended contract will total about $41 million.

Due to the new needed repairs, Volkert & Associates’s contract will increase $435,000 for additional inspection, repair plans, and project oversight.

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$500K for eviction prevention

The city received approval to transfer $500,000 from the Economic Development Department to the Health, Educational, and Housing Facility Board to create an eviction prevention program.

Child care contracts

Council approved a $75,000 construction contract to expand day care service at the 21st Century Child Development Center. The funds come from a state grant awarded to the city in 2022.

The following contracts funded by federal Head Start dollars were approved:

  • Chambliss Center for Children: $278K
  • Maurice Kirby Child Care Center: $278K
  • Children’s Academy: $185K

Riverfront redesign moves ahead

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A resolution was approved to provide $1.1 million in city funds to River City Company for design and survey work on the planned riverfront parks redevelopment. Hamilton County would match the funding.

Attend the next Council meeting

When: Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: City Council Building, 1000 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Or: Watch the meeting live on YouTube @chattanoogacitycouncil8743

Chattanooga City Council is open to the public.


Contact William at william@chattamatters.com

Author

William is an award-winning journalist and editor focused on communicating important topics in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

Before coming to Chattanooga, he received his master’s degree from the University of Georgia and wrote for his hometown paper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Catch him biking around town trying and often failing to avoid potholes.