Fast fact
The Casey barge is actually two-and-a-half such vessels which were put together to make up an entertainment site in Pittsburgh, from where it was towed to Chattanooga in 2009.
Workmen are conducting last-minute tests on businessman Allen Casey’s derelict barge — the so-called “eyesore on the North Shore” may be towed away today from downtown Chattanooga.
If tests prove positive and more delay isn’t needed, Gulfstream Enterprises will start pulling the vessel down the Tennessee River using a towboat as well as a companion barge to help navigate.
Plans to remove the barge Wednesday from its longtime mooring across from Ross’s Landing gave way to a decision to do something of a test run today, said Harry Phillips, who is coordinating the effort.
“We’ll pull it off the shoreline and check all the stuff,” he said. If all goes well, they may start its departure, Phillips said. Or, they may re-dock the barge and perform any fixes which are needed before it leaves.