Chattanooga, Tenn. (October 9, 2024) - The City of Chattanooga's Department of Wastewater has extended a helping hand to Mountain City, Tennessee, in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact. In a swift response to the crisis, Chattanooga has loaned two large generators to support Mountain City's damaged wastewater treatment plant.
"It's heartening to see how our staff's initiative can spark such a meaningful act of support for our fellow Tennesseans in their time of need," said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. "This rapid response exemplifies Chattanooga's commitment to our One Chattanooga Principles, especially our values of serving others with urgency and being problem solvers."
The initiative began during a department fundraiser for hurricane victims. A staff member's observation about the need for power in affected areas quickly set wheels in motion within the department.
Wastewater Administrator Mark Heinzer secured emergency approval from the Mayor’s Office & City Council to loan the generators. Meanwhile, the department's staff identified Mountain City as a municipality in dire need, using information provided by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
The technical aspects of the loan were handled by the department's maintenance staff, who ensured the generators met the necessary specifications and were fully operational. Members of the maintenance team volunteered their expertise to assist with the project.
On Saturday, October 5, Mr. Heinzer, along with three other department staff members, personally delivered the two large generators to the Mountain City Wastewater Treatment Plant. This loan will significantly aid Mountain City's recovery efforts, particularly in restoring power to their critical wastewater infrastructure.
Mountain City, located 266 miles northeast of Chattanooga, is the county seat of Johnson County and the highest incorporated city in Tennessee at an elevation of 2,418 feet. The town, with a population of 2,415 as of the 2020 census, was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, with its wastewater treatment plant losing power and sustaining damage from rising flood waters.
The loaned generators will help Mountain City's four-person wastewater treatment crew, who have been working around the clock to keep their plant operational on limited generator power.
This act of inter-city cooperation showcases the spirit of community and resilience that defines Tennessee, especially in times of crisis. The City of Chattanooga remains committed to supporting our neighbors and fellow communities as we all work together to overcome the challenges posed by natural disasters.
For more information about the City of Chattanooga's hurricane relief efforts or to learn how you can help, visit Chattanooga.gov.