posted February 27, 2004
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Supt. Pat Reed went before the County Commission on Friday, asking that a land transfer go forward for the planned national park at historic Moccasin Bend.
Supt. Reed said he plans to go before the City Council on a similar plea soon.
He said the Park Service needs the transfer of land owned by the city, county and state in order to proceed with setting up the national archaeological district.
Supt. Reed said, "We are asking that all parties step forward together in a trusting relationship to make this happen for Chattanooga."
He said he is seeking to arrange a meeting of city, county and state officials in Chattanooga in late March with park officials to discuss details of the transfers.
County Mayor Claude Ramsey said he is concerned that the county turns over the land "and it ends up just sitting there until our grandchildren are here still talking about it."
He said he does not want the county to give up control, then find the land "does not get the attention it needs."
Mr. Ramsey asked if there can be a clause that the land go back to the county if the park is not put into place. Supt. Reed said that ordinarily is not done.
Supt. Reed said the park has worked out an interim plan for the future park, including a world-class interpretive center built through a public-private partnership.
He said the federal government has spent $2.3 million to buy the 105-acre Rock Tenn tract and the 10.5-acre Serodino property.
It is planned for the park to include 780 acres.
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