A $25 million federal RAISE Grant will support the replacement of Chattanooga’s aging Wilcox Boulevard Bridge.
Built in 1958, the bridge carries more than 18,000 vehicles daily. The project will replace the aging structure with an 851-foot, four-span bridge featuring four 12-foot travel lanes, 4-foot shoulders and a 12-foot multiuse path.
The city of Chattanooga is leading the project with support from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Norfolk Southern and other partners. At the city’s request, TDOT will assist with project delivery and facilitate construction.
Construction is set to begin in early 2027.
Board Connector changes hands
Board Connector, a Chattanooga civic leadership platform that connects professionals with nonprofit board opportunities, is transitioning to the Nonprofit Resource Center.
Wade Hinton, CEO of Hinton and Company, founded Board Connector in 2017 to connect professionals interested in community service with nonprofits seeking new perspectives and leadership.
Hinton says the Nonprofit Resource Center’s relationships within Chattanooga’s nonprofit community and its existing governance programs make it a natural home for the platform. The organizations partnered with RadWork to handle the technical and operational transition.
Nonprofit Resource Center Executive Director Phil Trammell says Board Connector has helped make board service more accessible while encouraging nonprofits to think more intentionally about their leadership.
CARTA receives $25 million grant
The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority has received a $25 million federal grant to launch an autonomous vehicle shuttle service in downtown Chattanooga.
CARTA plans to deploy up to six autonomous shuttles connected to Chattanooga’s new Mobility & Innovation Command Center, which will provide real-time oversight, emergency response capabilities and data to help optimize transit service.
The funding is part of $1.73 billion awarded to 127 projects nationwide through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or BUILD, grant program.
Ringgold Police receive $16K technology grant
The Ringgold Police Department has received a $16,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to purchase new technology for officers.
The grant will help finance six Panasonic Toughbook laptop computers and six Brother thermal printers.
GOHS Director Allen Poole says the grant is part of the agency’s efforts to reduce fatal crashes through education, enforcement and other highway safety initiatives.
Hamilton Co. property sales top $424 million
Hamilton County recorded more than $424.6 million in property sales during August, according to the monthly Sales & Mortgages Report from Register of Deeds Marc Gravitt.
The office collected about $1.57 million in conveyance taxes on property sales and $766,029 in mortgage taxes. Mortgages recorded during the month totaled nearly $670 million.
The Register of Deeds recorded 5,020 documents during August, including 1,343 deeds and 1,332 deeds of trust.
The month’s largest transaction was a $26 million sale involving multiple parcels.
Other top transactions included properties at 3720 Amnicola Highway for $6.2 million, 5715 Uptain Road for $5.96 million and 300 W. 28th St. for $5.3 million.
The remaining transactions in the top 10 ranged from about $2.68 million to $4.85 million and included properties on Hixson Pike, Crest Road, Sumach Street and Lee Highway.
Red Bank awards nonprofit grants
The city of Red Bank has awarded $50,000 to 10 local nonprofit organizations in the final year of a three-year grant program funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
The city received 26 applications for the 2026 Red Bank Nonprofit Organization Grant program. The recipients were selected following review by the Red Bank Nonprofit Citizens’ Advisory Board.
The Red Bank Community Food Pantry received the largest award at $9,000. Nine other organizations received grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000: Be The Change Youth Initiative, Downside Up, La Paz Chattanooga, Red Bank High School Band Boosters, Red Bank High School Enrichment Events, Tennessee Humane Animal League, The Learning Gardens at Red Bank Elementary, WaterWays and White Oak Bicycle Co-op.
The grants will support programs addressing needs including food security, education, workforce development, youth activities, animal welfare, environmental stewardship and recreation.
Red Bank allocated approximately $150,000 in ARPA funding to nonprofits serving city residents, with up to $50,000 available annually over the three-year program.
Collegedale gas project set to begin
Chattanooga Gas Company is expected to begin work this month on a new gas regulator station and pipeline in Collegedale as part of a pressure improvement project serving the area.
Construction is targeted to begin the week of Sept. 14. The project will install new underground pipeline along Ooltewah-Ringgold Road from near Bill Reed Road to the Apison Pike intersection and a short distance beyond. A new regulator station will be built on city-owned property at 4815 Ooltewah Ringgold Road.
The project is intended to improve gas service for existing customers and accommodate future development. The Collegedale City Commission approved the use of city-owned property for the project Aug. 17.
No full road closures are planned. Business and property entrances and parking lots are expected to remain accessible. Work could occasionally extend into weekends to keep the project on schedule.