A state panel on Monday approved a proposed $2.39 million sale of the water system serving the Jasper Highlands residential development in Marion County to Tennessee American Water Co.
The action also resolves a state complaint that alleged violations related to the mountaintop water system and a company affiliated with Chattanooga developer John “Thunder” Thornton. The company agreed to pay a $50,000 settlement fee to the state.
Daniel Whitaker, a lawyer for the state Attorney General’s office, told the Tennessee Public Utility Commission that the complaint was filed against Thunder Air on Aug. 13.
On Sept. 29, the parties entered an agreement that allows the complaint to be resolved and Tennessee American’s acquisition of the water system to proceed, he said.
Thunder Air, doing business as Jasper Highlands Development, had said it entered the settlement agreement to avoid the time and expense of litigation and denied any wrongdoing related to the state complaint.