More than $1.6 million in federal stimulus money will go to repave five roads in Chattanooga just as the City Council cut money for paving from the city budget.
"It's a blessing," said Councilwoman Pam Ladd, chairwoman of the Public Works Committee. "Instead of being out in the cold with no ability to do major projects, it's a blessing."
Highways Inc., a Cookeville, Tenn.-based company, was awarded the contract, said Eddie Tate, the city's pavement supervisor.
The company will repave five roads within the city, starting with Barton Avenue and continuing with Hickory Valley Road, Dayton Boulevard, Airport Road and Shepherd Road, city records show.
Work started this week on Barton Avenue in North Chattanooga, with crews mapping out drainage lines and updating handicap ramps on sidewalks, Mr. Tate said.
Paving would begin on the road by the end of the month, he said.
ROAD REPAIRThe city plans on using $1.6 million of federal stimulus money to repave five roads:* Barton Avenue* Airport Road* Dayton Boulevard* Hickory Valley Road* Shepherd RoadSource: Chattanooga government
Because of school traffic, the city wanted to make sure repaving occurred at Barton Avenue first, he said.
"We're working to get out of there by the time school starts," Mr. Tate said.
He said some lanes on Barton will be shut down over the coming months, with flaggers waving people through.
"We realize there will be inconveniences," he said.
The 2010-11 fiscal year budget approved by the City Council on Tuesday cut road maintenance from $2 million to $1 million.
Mr. Tate said these projects will probably be the biggest the city conducts this fiscal year.
Mark Odom, vice president for Highways Inc., said the federal money has helped save jobs with his company. He estimated about 24 local jobs will be created through subcontractors.