The City of Chickamauga has been awarded a $1.45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support blight remediation efforts in the city’s historic downtown district.
City officials announced the funding will be used to address long-standing issues associated with the abandoned Crystal Springs mill site and other blighted areas in downtown Chickamauga. The project is designed to promote economic development, attract private investment, create jobs, and improve public spaces within the community.
According to city leaders, the grant will fund environmental cleanup and redevelopment activities aimed at preparing the area for future commercial, civic, and green space improvements.
Officials also addressed misinformation circulating about the grant, emphasizing that the funding is not intended for affordable housing or low-to-moderate income housing developments.
“The official grant documentation from HUD clearly states that the funding is designated for blight remediation,” city officials said. “There are no plans for residential housing units under this grant.”
The city noted that revitalizing the former Crystal Springs mill property has been a long-term goal and that the federal investment represents a significant step toward restoring a key area of downtown Chickamauga.
Leaders said the project will help strengthen the local economy while preserving the character of the city’s historic downtown district.
Additional details regarding project timelines and planned improvements are expected to be released as the city moves forward with the remediation effort.