John Coffelt, Editor

According to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the three-day contested case hearing related to the relocation and replacement of the Old Stone Fort Truss Bridge was completed on May 19.

The hearing challenges the project’s Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit (ARAP), a permit issued by state environmental agencies for activities that may affect aquatic resources. 

According to department Communications Director Eric Ward, “The Administrative Judge hearing the case has taken the matter under advisement. The parties were directed to file post-hearing papers by June 20, after which the judge has 60 days to issue an initial order.

Attorney Jason Holleman of Nashville represented The Old Stone Fort Bridge Preservation Group.

TDEC Attorney Grant Rhul represented the state. The administrative judge Elizabeth Cambron presided over the case.

A work stop order was issued early this year until the hearing was completed.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.