Gov. Bill Lee announced an infrastructural proposal aimed at addressing important transportation needs across Tennessee.
The proposal, "Build With Us" comes as Tennessee has seen a rapid growth which is surpassing roadway capacity investments.
The proposed law will see that the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) meets the state's transportation needs now and in the future. Under the leadership of Commissioner Butch Eley, TDOT will adapt to the legislation in both urban and rural areas to prepare for increased economic advantages.
As Tennessee continues to experience unprecedented growth, it’s critical we invest in roads and bridges to fully harness our state’s success. 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.
- Gov. Bill Lee
TDOT says $26 billion is necessary over and above the 2017 IMPROVE Act to address both urban and rural congestion in Tennessee.
The following four major urban areas are included in nearly $14 billion of the necessary funds: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.
In order to tackle the state's transportations needs, the Lee administration is taking a modern approach. The administration is working to address the following issues:
- Tackle urban congestion
- Preserve funds to address rural transportation challenges
- Provide an expanded set of project delivery tools
- Create a new paradigm for running a high-performance department of transportation
The proposed legislation hopes to use Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) that allow private investment in new roadway infrastructure.
Tennessee is the only state in the southeast that such partnerships for developing roads and bridges are prohibited.
Due to this, a private-sector partner contracts with TDOT to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain Choice Lanes which allow drivers to have the option to pay a user fee to access an additional lane with more reliable trip times. The Choice Lanes also allow drivers to still use traditional highway lanes.
Information about the “Build With Us” initiative can be found here.
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