NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced today that the state will no longer proceed with plans to construct a new psychiatric hospital on state-owned land at Moccasin Bend in Chattanooga. This decision stems from preliminary findings of an ongoing archaeological review, which is the first such review conducted since the establishment of the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in 1961. The final report is expected in November, with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and the Department of General Services (DGS) overseeing the survey on behalf of the State Building Commission.
“Tennessee’s robust conservation strategy balances our state’s growth with a plan to protect our environment, which is why we pursued an archaeological study at Moccasin Bend,” said Gov. Lee. “I look forward to working with stakeholders to determine the best path forward for this historic site.”
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The state has decided to seek alternative locations for the replacement facility of the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute (MBMHI), aiming to utilize taxpayer dollars efficiently while continuing to serve Tennesseans with severe mental health challenges.
Key findings from the review include:
– 73% of the state-owned parcel at MBMHI consists of a multi-component archaeological site with buried layers of historic and pre-contact materials, occupation surfaces, and features such as pits and hearth materials.
– Woodland period features indicate the likelihood of more intact features within the site, potentially containing human remains or isolated burials. However, no human remains were found during the survey.
– Certain areas within the parcel exhibit excellent preservation and integrity.
“The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation has consistently supported the protection of the historic artifacts and land at Moccasin Bend,” said Bo Watson, R-Hixson. “I repeatedly said that we would not make any decision until this archaeological survey was complete. The report clearly identifies the importance of the protection of the Moccasin Bend site, I support and encourage the state to find another location for a new facility.”
“This archaeological study has provided the information needed for the state to make an informed, fiscally responsible decision about the replacement of a much-needed mental health facility,” said Patsy Hazlewood, R-Signal Mountain. “Improved and increased mental health services are still a critical and urgent need for our community and our state. Now we must focus our efforts on how and where to best meet those needs going forward.”
“In this landmark initiative, the Department of General Services identified and retained New South Associates to conduct the first-ever state archaeological survey of Moccasin Bend,” said Christi Branscom, Commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of General Services. “Using minimally invasive techniques, the team uncovered compelling evidence of the site’s rich archaeological heritage.”
“Throughout this process, we proceeded with great respect to the history and heritage of this site,” said Marie Williams, Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “We committed to adapt our plans if needed based on the results of an archaeological survey, and that’s exactly what we are doing today. We know that publicly funded psychiatric beds are an essential emergency mental health safety net for our neighbors who have the greatest needs and little or no ability to pay for treatment. Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute will continue to provide these essential services to its 52-county coverage area while we work diligently to determine next steps.”
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