More than $26 million from the federal Community Project Funds program will be allocated to eight different projects in Chattanooga after being secured by state Rep. Chuck Fleischmann.
Let’s break down the projects and future impacts.
Alton Park Connector trail | $6.4 million
Connecting Alton Park to the Riverwalk and Southside Community Park with a shared-use path along a former rail line (parallel to 33rd Street). Think: Connecting pedestrians and bicycles + expanding access to everyday work, education, and social needs to Broad Street and into downtown.
Cummings Highway | $5 million
Widening the stretch from Browns Ferry Road to Tennessee Avenue to improve safety and reduce congestion. Think: Impacting two railroad underpasses + adding a median, turn lanes, and shoulders.
Broad Street redesign | $3.5 million
Improving the corridor between Aquarium Way and MLK Boulevard to drive economic development and expand public outdoor space. Think: Reconfiguring travel lanes, bike facilities, improved transit stops + expanding sidewalks.
EPB quantum | $4 million
Aiding the development of the EPB Quantum Network. Think: Supporting network operations and research + developing applications, data analytics, and workforce programs.
UTC Quantum Center | $3.5 million
Launching the university’s center to access EPB’s quantum network within a year and its quantum information and science engineering programming. Think: Creating a user lab for educational outreach for K-12th graders (with an impact on underserved communities) + workforce development.
UTC Mobility Ecosystems | $2.4 million
Deploying two low-cost pilot testbeds in Chattanooga and Cleveland to study mobility technologies for transportation advancements. Think: Investing in hardware and communications technology + projects related to safety.
211 services | $1.5 million
Expanding United Ways of Greater Chattanooga’s services by adding a jobs line. Think: Updating the call system to connect folks with hiring employers, job training, and social service support systems.
CPD tech upgrades | $850,000
Enhancing and streamlining processes to improve facets of public safety. Think: Conducting faster crime scene analysis, evidence gathering + processing, and moving to paperless processes.