Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee recently revealed his Build With Us infrastructure proposal to address statewide critical transportation needs.
Under the proposed legislation, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) would have the ability to meet the state’s current and future transportation challenges and be prepared for increased economic advantages.
The proposal would use Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) contracts with TDOT to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain Choice Lanes. Choice Lanes give drivers the option of paying a user fee to access an additional lane with more reliable trip times.
Currently, Tennessee is the only state in the southeast that does not allow P3s for road and bridge investment.
“As Tennessee continues to experience unprecedented growth, it’s critical we invest in roads and bridges to fully harness our state’s success,” Lee said. “I asked (TDOT) Commissioner (Butch) Eley to look at best practices around the country to see what’s working and what isn’t. The Build With Us plan will provide quality infrastructure in both rural and urban communities and blunt congestion without raising the gas tax or going into debt.”
Statewide, an additional $26 billion is needed to address road congestion, and nearly $14 billion is needed in the four major urban areas.