Chattanooga eyes grant for new Wilcox Boulevard tunnel

District representatives unanimously voted to authorize the mayor to apply for $25 million of federal money to fund a new Wilcox Boulevard tunnel at a City Council meeting Tuesday night.

However, the city will have to raise the rest of the estimated $42 million price tag itself.

Last year, the city applied for the same TIGER IV grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. If it is extended to Chattanooga this time, it could fund a new tunnel and perform major maintenance on the old one.

"We have to improve the existing tunnel when it comes to lighting, and also clean it up -- clean the concrete and fix the drainage problem," said Councilman Russell Gilbert.

A new tunnel could also accommodate vehicles such as buses and fire engines that are too tall for the current one.

"The new tunnel will be able to take normal vehicles of all types," Councilman Peter Murphy said.

City employees already have worked to improve last year's failed bid.

Richard Beeland, media relations director for the mayor, said that successful applicants had to prove that their projects were of "national significance."

To that end, he suggested that more streamlined traffic would cut down on drive times locally and reduce emissions around the region. He added that the proposed tunnel could serve as a major route in case of an emergency.

If the federal DOT accepts the city's bid, the city will begin planning how best to raise its $17 million contribution. Beeland has suggested designating money every year from the city capital funds to the tune of around $3 million a year for five to six years. Gilbert, however, said he wants to explore fundraising through bonds.

The TIGER IV grant would require that building begin within three years of receipt, so however the city decides to pay its share, Chattanooga will likely be raising money as they raise the tunnel.

Staff writer Cliff Hightower contributed to this report.

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