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Monday, November 9, 2026Nov 9

Opinion: Chattanooga, Hamilton County mayors recommend downtown TVA site for new federal courthouse

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly speaks during a press conference at Chattanooga City Hall on Monday, March 25. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp held his second state of the county address at the Tennessee Aquarium on March 28. The mayors of Chattanooga and Hamilton County believe the best site for the new federal courthouse is the downtown TVA complex.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly speaks during a press conference at Chattanooga City Hall on Monday, March 25. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp held his second state of the county address at the Tennessee Aquarium on March 28. The mayors of Chattanooga and Hamilton County believe the best site for the new federal courthouse is the downtown TVA complex. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly speaks during a press conference at Chattanooga City Hall on Monday, March 25. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp held his second state of the county address at the Tennessee Aquarium on March 28. The mayors of Chattanooga and Hamilton County believe the best site for the new federal courthouse is the downtown TVA complex.

For the first time in nearly 100 years, the residents of Chattanooga and Hamilton County could soon see the construction of a new federal courthouse.

After careful consideration and discussion, we as the mayors of Chattanooga and Hamilton County believe the best site for this new courthouse is the downtown TVA complex.

TVA is currently engaged in a public process to reconsider its need for office space in Chattanooga, as the advent of work-from-home has reduced its need for large downtown office buildings.

A new federal courthouse has the potential to transform the underused TVA facility into a significant new landmark in our region that will promote public safety while enhancing downtown Chattanooga.

Of the three available options for a new courthouse site, the TVA footprint offers the best compatibility with both current and future uses of the property. It will breathe new life into Chattanooga’s downtown business district. And choosing the TVA site makes the other sites being considered for the courthouse available for more appropriate projects.