NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tuesday night, Metro Council will vote on Mayor John Cooper’s $1.6 billion transportation plan.
Although previous administrations have introduced transit plans, Mayor Cooper is confident this one will pass because it doesn’t involve a tax increase and does not require approval from voters.
He says the 10-year transportation proposal is a necessary investment for Nashville's future. The plan includes more than 1,900 improvements in neighborhoods across Davidson County, like fixing potholes and resurfacing streets.
It would also add 38 miles of sidewalks, new bikeways and greenways.
In 2018, former Mayor Megan Barry put up a transit plan for a vote, but it failed. This is the first big proposal to combat Nashville's transit issues since then.
“The medicine in this plan is not controversial, and it isn’t something we disagree on, we just need to get it done,” said Cooper. “The council works hard on making us a better city, this is an opportunity to really do that.”
Mayor Cooper says most of the funding will come from state and federal grants, but to secure the funds, he says the city needs a plan in place. However, some Metro Council members have expressed concerns about securing the grant money.
We'll find out during tonight’s meeting if the council will vote to throw their support behind the plan.
Read more: Mayor Cooper makes case for $1.6 billion transit plan
