DAYTON — In a joint workshop session on Monday, members of the Dayton City Council and Rhea County Commission announced the groundbreaking for the new Chattanooga State school on Delaware Avenue is set for Thursday, Oct. 3.
The Rhea County Commission partnered with the Dayton City Council to buy the Abel farm property near the Delaware Avenue walking track for $1.2 million, splitting the cost between the two governing bodies at $600,000 each in 2023.
The county and city worked for several months last year on securing land for the construction of the school, and officials said the state committed to the project once 23 acres were secured for the school, though studies later indicated only 18.5 acres will be needed for the new school.
The state will also shoulder the cost of construction and operation of the school, according to county officials.
The purchase of the farm is part of ongoing efforts to draw students and other visitors to the area, and part of those efforts involve the construction of soccer fields and other recreational projects, also along Delaware Avenue.