Underground Hall Dedicated At Tennessee Governor's Mansion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Gov. Phil Bredesen and other elected officials are dedicating the new underground meeting hall at the governor's mansion in Nashville.

Among those scheduled to join the Democratic governor at the Thursday evening event were Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and several state lawmakers.

The facility was derided by some as the "Bredesen Bunker," because of the scope, cost and construction noise of the project under the front lawn of the mansion. Private donors accounted for about $5 million of the $9 million project.

State Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville was among the hall's critics and said Thursday he still considers it a mistake.

The Blountville Republican says he wasn't invited to the dedication ceremony, but Bredesen's office says he declined due to a scheduling conflict.