Small business owners affected by the closing of the Wilcox Tunnel are a step closer to getting some help from the city of Chattanooga.
The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a program awarding grants to qualifying firms whose business has suffered because of a city construction project.
While the impetus for the grant program was the Wilcox Tunnel project, the grants will be available in the future to other businesses affected by city projects, according to Lacie Stone, spokeswoman for Mayor Andy Berke.
The Wilcox Tunnel was closed last August for a $2 million renovation, with completion set for February. But city officials announced last week work would not be completed until April 11, drawing groans from business owners on either side of the 84-year-old tunnel affected by the closure.
City officials met with about 100 local residents and business owners last week to discuss the grant program.