The long-awaited renovation of the historic Tooga Theater in downtown Summerville is moving forward, with Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen announcing a critical step towards securing federal funding for the project. The county has issued a “Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact” and an “Intent to Request Release of Funds,” initiating a public comment period before final funding requests are submitted.

The ambitious undertaking, officially known as the “Tooga Theater Renovation Project-Phase I,” aims to transform the venue at 10107 Commerce Street into a vibrant public event space. The estimated cost for this initial phase is $1,372,000, with $1,000,000 requested from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funds.

A key hurdle cleared for the project is the environmental review process. Chattooga County has determined the renovation will have “no significant impact on the human environment,” officially issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI). This means a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required, streamlining the approval process. Detailed project information, including the Environmental Review Record (ERR), is available for public examination at the Chattooga County office, 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville, Georgia, weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Before the county formally requests the funds, a public comment period is open. Any individual, group, or agency wishing to submit written comments on the ERR must do so by August 15, 2025. Comments should be addressed to the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, PO Box 10, Summerville, GA 30747, and clearly state which notice they are addressing. All feedback received by the deadline will be considered by Chattooga County before authorizing the submission of the funding request.

Chattooga County plans to submit its request to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) on or about August 16, 2025. Commissioner Allen, in his capacity as Sole Commissioner, has certified to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) that all environmental review responsibilities have been satisfied, allowing the county to proceed with using program funds upon approval.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs will accept objections to the release of funds for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request. Objections must adhere to specific procedural requirements outlined in 24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76, and be based on prescribed grounds, such as procedural omissions or unauthorized activities. Potential objectors are encouraged to contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at 60 Executive Park South, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, to verify the exact last day of the objection period.

This significant step brings the community closer to seeing the historic Tooga Theater revitalized as a centerpiece for public events in downtown Summerville.