Council Approves Grant for Kava Bar Stormwater Garden

Chattanooga's city council has approved up to $111,500 to fund stormwater upgrades and a native-plant garden at a local business.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Gardening

Screen-print poster illustration of a rounded rainwater cistern beside a native-plant garden bed against a brick wall, evoking stormwater capture. — The Chattanooga City Council approved up to $111,500 to fund stormwater upgrades and a native-plant garden at an East Main Street kava bar. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Chattanooga City Council approved a grant of up to $111,500 to reimburse stormwater improvements and garden construction at a kava bar and backyard garden on East Main Street. The project removes gravel and paved areas to create about 3,160 square feet of garden.

Why it matters

The project is intended to support water quality and teach visitors about green infrastructure. For Chattanooga residents, it shows how private business sites can be used to manage runoff while adding green space.

The grant reimburses approved costs, with the project budgeted at $111,491.50 against a maximum of $111,500. Construction plans must still be reviewed and approved by the city before any funds are released.

The players

Chattanooga City Council

The elected legislative body of Chattanooga, Tennessee, which approved the grant and sets the city's policies on stormwater management and development.

The details

The project removes gravel and paved areas to create a garden of native and adapted plants. It adds two 5,000-gallon rainwater cisterns, new gutters and an under-deck drainage system that directs stormwater into the tanks, and the business will install educational signs.

Chattanooga City Council approved the grant on November 10, 2026.
The project must be completed within one year of the land-disturbing permit being issued.

Roadmap

Cities across the country increasingly fund green infrastructure on private property, such as rain gardens and cisterns, to reduce stormwater runoff into local waterways. This Chattanooga grant follows that municipal approach by paying for runoff capture on a commercial site.

Residents who visit or live near the site will see new native plantings, and rainwater capture may reduce runoff on nearby streets. The city's plan review must be completed before construction can begin.

The takeaway

Stormwater projects that combine water capture with public education can reduce runoff while helping neighbors understand green infrastructure. Homeowners considering rain barrels or native gardens can start with small, similar steps.