New Chattanooga Courthouse

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Analysis
Along with the sites analyzed in the previously published final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact in April 2024, an additional site is being considered for the construction and operation of the new courthouse. Accordingly, a draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) and draft Finding of No Significant Impact have been prepared and are available for public review and comment. The documents may be accessed at:

Draft Finding of No Significant Impact and Supplemental Environmental Assessment [PDF - 3 MB] 

A hard copy is also available at the Chattanooga Public Library Downtown Branch, located at 1001 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Comments can be submitted via mail or email, but must be received by email or postmarked by December 18, 2024.

Mail:  Comments submitted by mail should be sent to the following mailing address:

Attention: Mr. Ashish Desai

GSA Region 4
Facilities Management Division
Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building
77 Forsyth Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Email: Comments may be emailed to ashish.desai@gsa.gov. Please reference “Chattanooga Courthouse SEA” in the subject line.

The final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) were completed in April 2024.  The completion of these documents completes GSA’s initial responsibilities under NEPA required for this public undertaking.  

Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment [PDF - 11 MB]

Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact [PDF - 114 KB]

The Draft Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment were published for public review and comment on December 1, 2023, with comments requested by December 31, 2023.

Notice of Availability for the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact and Environmental Assessment [PDF - 100 KB]

Notice of Public Scoping Meeting [PDF - 42 KB]

Public Scoping Meeting Transcript, Chattanooga Courthouse [PDF - 717 KB] June 14, 2023

Public Scoping Meeting Slide Deck [PDF - 2 MB]

Procurement of Architect & Engineering (A-E) Services

On November 7, GSA announced the selection of the Architect-Engineer (A-E) firm on SAM.gov.  The selected A-E for the project is HOK, formerly Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum. GSA expects to award the A-E contract in the first quarter of calendar year 2025. 

Procurement of Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) Services

This project is being delivered using the Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) delivery method wherein the CMc acts as the General Contractor and is responsible for delivering the project within an agreed upon Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). Under CMc, the Government awards a separate contract to an architect/engineer (A/E) firm to complete the design, and brings the CMc on board during design to provide input on schedule, budget, and constructability to help inform design decisions as the design progresses. As part of the CMc solicitation phase, the Government will request a GMP proposal prior to the completion of the design. GSA expects to publish the pre-solicitation notice on SAM.gov for Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) services in the first quarter of calendar year 2025.  

Site Acquisition 

GSA continues to consider all of its options for a site for the new Chattanooga Courthouse.  Due diligence activities, including land and utility surveys, appraisals, and title work are underway and anticipated to be complete in first quarter of calendar year 2025.