Whitfield pledges $1 million to help Tunnel Hill grow

DALTON, Ga. — Volkswagen suppliers. Restaurants. Tax revenues. Grant eligibility.

These are a few of the benefits Tunnel Hill, Ga., leaders used in their lobby Monday night to get Whitfield commissioners to contribute $1 million to a sewer line that will run from Mill Creek through the heart of town, ending just west of the Tunnel Hill/Varnell Interstate 75 interchange. Dalton Utilities is spearheading the project, which is estimated to cost more than $3 million. Under the county’s agreement with Dalton Utilities, the county should expect to receive its investment back from sewer profits within 10 years.

Tunnel Hill Mayor Ken Gowin said the sewer line will mean big things for the town.

“This will give us a chance to provide some basic conveniences that people expect, like a restaurant,” Mr. Gowin said. “We can’t even have very much of a restaurant in Tunnel Hill right now. Also, if we’re going to expect to attract satellite businesses from the Volkswagen plant (in Chattanooga) that exit at I-75 is the first exit coming from the north into Whitfield County.”

Commissioners Mike Cowan said the county overall will benefit from the added tax base new development will bring.

Commissioner Randy Waskul questioned Tunnel Hill’s contribution to the project.

Tunnel Hill City Manager Blake Griffin said the city is likely willing to add what it can and is aggressively seeking federal stimulus money for infrastructure.

Mr. Gowin said the city even has an attorney in Washington, D.C., seeking federal stimulus dollars for development in Tunnel Hill.