Hamilton offers free property fraud alerts
Hamilton County property owners can now sign up for a free Property Fraud Alert System through the Hamilton County Register of Deeds Office.
The service sends instant email notifications whenever a document matching a property owner’s name or address is recorded, helping residents quickly identify and respond to potentially suspicious activity.
The alert system does not prevent filings or lock property titles, but it provides timely awareness so owners can verify recorded documents and take action if necessary.
Register of Deeds Marc Gravitt says the service is a simple and effective way for property owners to stay informed.
Unlike third-party monitoring services, the system is directly connected to the county’s official recording office, providing accurate, real-time information.
Property owners can register for the program at register.hamiltontn.gov/OnlineRecordSearch/Home/IndexNotification.aspx.
$45M sewer project reaches completion
City leaders and project partners recently celebrated the completion of the Kanasita Equalization Basin and Pump Station Project, a $45 million investment aimed at reducing sanitary sewer overflows and strengthening wastewater infrastructure in the Hamill Road corridor.
The project includes a new 5-million-gallon wet-weather equalization basin and modern pump station designed to temporarily store excess wastewater during heavy rain events until it can be safely treated.
Officials say the facility will help prevent sanitary sewer overflows from reaching roads, neighborhoods and local waterways.
The project is a major component of Clear Chattanooga, the city’s long-term initiative to modernize wastewater infrastructure, protect public health and improve environmental quality.
In addition to reducing overflows, the project replaced the aging Hixson No. 1 Pump Station on Adams Road with a new facility located in an industrial area.
The new station features enclosed infrastructure and advanced carbon filtration technology to significantly reduce odor impacts for nearby residents.
City officials emphasized that the facility is designed to address wastewater system capacity and sanitary sewer overflows, not flooding.
The basin does not control water levels in North Chickamauga Creek, and flooding along Hamill Road is expected to continue during major storm events.
Funding for the project included approximately $20 million through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s State Revolving Fund Loan Program and $16.7 million from an American Rescue Plan grant.
Officials say the project’s success will ultimately be measured by the overflows prevented, odor concerns reduced and improved quality of life for residents throughout the area.
Grant supports foster youth housing
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency has awarded Partnership for Families, Children and Adults a $600,000 grant to support construction of a new extended-care home for young women aging out of foster care.
Funded through the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund, the project will provide housing for up to 10 women between the ages of 18 and 21 who are transitioning from foster care to independent living.
The Girls’ Extended Care home will feature 10 private bedrooms, shared living spaces and ADA-compliant accommodations.
Residents will also receive support services including life-skills training, adult mentoring, case management, educational assistance, employment support and independent living preparation.
THDA Executive Director Ralph Perrey says youth aging out of foster care face a heightened risk of housing instability and homelessness, making supportive housing projects like this a critical investment.
Partnership officials say the home will provide safe, stable housing while helping residents build the skills and resources needed for long-term success.
The grant was awarded through THDA’s Tennessee Housing Trust Fund, which supports projects that develop or preserve housing for low-income households, older adults and individuals with special needs.
Funding for the program comes from revenue generated through THDA’s Great Choice mortgage program.
Quantum planned with future in mind
Hamilton County Schools, the Hamilton County Mayor’s Office and EPB have announced the creation of the Energy and Quantum Industries Academy, a new Future Ready Pathway set to open at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center.
The academy is expected to serve approximately 400 students annually in grades 9-12, providing training and hands-on learning opportunities in fields such as engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, broadband infrastructure, utility operations, energy systems and quantum science.
Officials say the program is designed to prepare students for high-wage careers while creating a local workforce pipeline for industries driving Hamilton County’s economic growth.
HCS Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson says the partnership with EPB will give students access to valuable career opportunities and practical experience that can lead directly to employment, specialized training, or higher education.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp calls the initiative one of the most significant corporate partnerships in the history of local public education, noting that it will create pathways into industries shaping the region’s future, including advanced energy, broadband, cybersecurity and quantum technology.
EPB will help develop curriculum, identify industry certifications and provide workforce readiness experiences that align with current and emerging employer needs.
The academy represents a major milestone for the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center, which is scheduled to open in August 2028 and serve students from 11 schools across the county.