Construction is seen at Whirlpool’s 1-million square foot manufacturing plant off of Benton Pike NE in Cleveland, Tenn. in this file photo.WHAT’S NEXTThe Bradley County Commission Finance Committee will meet with city leaders Friday at 11 a.m.
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Bradley County commissioners have asked to meet with Cleveland officials before beginning road improvements associated with the Whirlpool factory relocation.
The projects, which include upgrades to Benton Pike, Durkee Road and Michigan Avenue, are part of a venture between Bradley County and Cleveland to retain Whirlpool. They will cost the county more than $1.6 million, according to recent Tennessee Department of Transportation estimates. The city’s share amounts to a little more than $330,000.
Members of the County Commission Finance Committee have expressed concern over the costs as well as the county’s share. Several said the expenditures would be split 50/50 with the city, just like the split in the $1.8 million infrastructure site costs.
TDOT estimates split city road improvement expenses between the city and county, while the county pays for all county road upgrades. The Cleveland City Council recently approved the plan.