Phase 1 infrastructure investment supports Chattanooga jobs, regional businesses.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (March 5, 2026) — The wastewater storage tanks <https://chattanooga.gov/stay-informed/latest-news/chattanoogas-e2i2-wastewater-project-now-visible-interstate-75> along I-75 are generating $39 million in local investment and supporting jobs in the region.
Image
More than $27.7 million in contracts has been awarded to local subcontractors, consultants and vendors. This includes $20.3 million for prestressed tanks, $4.3 million for design, testing and inspection services, and $1.9 million for electrical work. An additional $3.5 million has been spent with Tennessee-based subcontractors and vendors.
Local material purchases have exceeded $9.3 million, including $3.8 million in crushed stone, $4.1 million in concrete and $800,000 in manholes and
vaults. The project also has invested $2.6 million in local equipment rentals.
“This investment strengthens both our infrastructure and the local economy,” said Mark Heinzer, administrator of the Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus. “By hiring locally and working with Tennessee-based suppliers and contractors, MBEC is keeping resources in the community while advancing critical wastewater improvements that will serve the region for years to come.”
The Environmental and Economic Infrastructure Improvements project, part of the broader Clear Chattanooga initiative following the U.S. EPA consent
decree, consists of the construction of two wet weather equalization stations that will store approximately 40 million gallons of excess wastewater during heavy rain events. The e2i2 program is part of the city’s long-term strategy to reduce sanitary sewer overflows, protecting local waterways and supporting sustainable growth.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project is directing significant investment into the local economy. The program has hired 39 local employees specifically for e2i2, with 16 currently working on-site. In total, 120 field supervision and craft personnel are supporting construction.
The project remains on schedule for completion in 2027.
Image
Image
