On Thursday, the Tennessee Department of Transportation announced its state legislature had passed Gov. Bill Lee’s $3.3 billion transportation bill.
Lee’s legislation, the Transportation Modernization Act, will invest $3.3 billion to accommodate the state’s record growth while addressing traffic congestion and meeting transportation needs across the state. The legislation has received support from organizations throughout Tennessee and is headed to Lee’s desk for signature.
“Tennessee needs a transportation strategy fit for the fastest-growing state in the nation, and our plan will prepare rural and urban communities for continued growth and economic opportunity, all without new taxes or debt,” Lee said. “I commend the General Assembly for its partnership to meet our state’s transportation needs.”
The department said the legislation will give it the resources it needs to address the state’s current and future mobility challenges. Part of the plan will be to use public-private partnerships so the state can preserve funds for rural infrastructure priorities, the TDOT said. Additionally, the legislation will explore “Choice Lanes” to decrease congestion, increase economic impact, and expand the alternative delivery model, which it says will save taxpayer dollars and deliver infrastructure projects more efficiently.
“Tennessee’s strategic transportation plan will prepare TDOT with the resources needed to build and maintain roads across our rural and urban communities,” TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley said. “We appreciate the support of the legislature and key partners as we pave the way for Tennessee’s continued prosperity.”
The plan was widely supported by business and consumer groups, including the Tennessee Road Builders Association, Association of County Mayors – Tennessee, Tennessee County Highway Officials Association, Tennessee County Commissioners Association, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) – Tennessee, and Tennessee Public Transportation Association, as well as many of the state’s Chambers of Commerce.