Construction is seen at Whirlpool’s 1-million square foot manufacturing plant off of Benton Pike NE in Cleveland, Tenn. in this file photo.CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The Bradley County Commission has agreed to a funding deal proposed by the Cleveland City Council that will launch a delayed road improvement project linked to the Whirlpool relocation to Benton Pike.
Tuesday morning, commissioners voted 10-3 to accept city help in paying for rights-of-way acquisitions and improvements for segments of Benton Pike, Durkee Road and Michigan Avenue.
While the county still will have to pay an estimated $1 million as its share of local costs for the work, the agreement allows the county to pay the city back in four years instead of funding the debt up front.
In return, Bradley County will not require Cleveland to pay up to $40,000 for existing sewer line service to areas adjoining Durkee and Minnis roads, should the city annex them.
Commissioner Ed Elkins opposed waiving the sewer line reimbursement, which was part of a 2009 agreement to provide service to Park View Elementary School. Chairman Louie Alford and Commissioner Mel Griffith joined Elkins as the only votes against the agreement.