The Transportation Coalition of Tennessee responded to remarks made by Representative Mike Harrison in Wednesday’s House Finance Subcommittee meeting on HB 878, with the following statement:
“The members of the Transportation Coalition of Tennessee applaud today’s announcement by Rep.
Mike Harrison that he plans to work with Governor Haslam to find an answer for Tennessee’s transportation infrastructure funding problem.
“This is an issue that is only going to get larger and more expensive to fix the longer we wait to address it.
“We know good roads mean safe roads. We know good roads attract economic development. We know that keeping our roads and bridges up-to-date creates jobs for Tennesseans.
“The problem is that funding has not kept pace with demand. The largest generators of funds for transportation infrastructure are gasoline and diesel user fees, which were last raised more than 25 years ago.
“In the meantime, vital transportation projects remain only on paper. Our cities and counties scramble to keep up with the repair and construction of local roads. Citizens in our largest cities struggle with lengthy work commutes due to congestion. Providing transit remains a concern around the state as we address system expansion and population growth.
“The Coalition pledges its support to Rep. Harrison and the administration as they seek an answer.”
- Susie Alcorn, executive director of the Tennessee Infrastructure Alliance