Chattanooga mayor nixes cleanwater authority

photo Mayor Andy Berke

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke announced today his administration would eliminate the Moccasin Bend Cleanwater Authority.

In a news release, Berke said his administration is focused on long-term success, sustainability and strong partnerships for city services.

"Unfortunately, after a comprehensive review, we found the authority does not meet this threshold test," Berke said.

Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger also gave a statement within the release.

"The county was hesitant of this particular initiative in the beginning," he said. "But done correctly, a partnership to address these needs would be an important asset to our region."

Former Mayor Ron Littlefield and the former Chattanooga City Council set up the cleanwater authority in the waning days of his administration.

The authority combined the the stormwater and sewer divisions of the city in order to create a separate utility. Littlefield said the hope would be other utilities throughout the area would join.

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