Rep. Dan Howell
Legislation that Rep. Dan Howell said modernizes Tennessee’s infrastructure and addresses critical transportation statewide needs advanced in the General Assembly this week.
Governor Bill Lee in his State of the State address this week announced a $3.3 billion strategic investment to alleviate urban congestion and fund rural road projects across the Volunteer State.
Transportation chairs Howell and State Senator Becky Massey, R-Knoxville, will guide passage of the Transportation Modernization Act, House Bill 321 / Senate Bill 273, through their respective chambers this session. The plan will not raise fuel tax which currently sits at 26 cents per gallon for gasoline and 27 cents per gallon for diesel, it was stated.
“We are making a generational investment with this plan that will create new opportunities for Tennesseans,” Rep. Howell said. “In partnership with Gov. Lee and TDOT, we will provide greater mobility for our citizens and our businesses, further strengthening our economy and continuing our tradition of good fiscal governance - all without raising taxes.”
The full House Transportation Committee is expected to consider the bill on Feb. 14. The companion bill is expected to begin moving through the Senate in the coming weeks.
“It is imperative for the future of Tennessee that we invest in transportation,” said Senator Massey. “In order to ensure that Tennessee’s tremendous growth and economic development continue, we have to address major challenges and create a robust transportation system. I applaud Governor Lee and TDOT for this comprehensive and innovative approach to meet the significant transportation needs across our state.”
The proposal
- Authorizes the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to form partnerships with private entities to create optional choice lanes to address congestion
- Provides $750 million for infrastructure for each of the four transportation regions.
- Provides another $300 million to expand the State Aid Program for local road projects.
- Expands TDOT’s existing alternative delivery tools
- Establishes a structure for electric/hybrid vehicle fees
For information about House Bill 321/Senate Bill 273, visit here.