As traffic problems in Middle Tennessee continue to get worse, state lawmakers have taken a step to do something about it.
Supporters including Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), Senate Democrat Caucus Chairman Jeff Yarbro, and Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) held a press conference Wednesday to introduce Senate Bill 2093/House Bill 2407. It would provide a framework to allow Public Private Partnership (P3) agreements for major transportation projects.
“We’ve got to look at all the alternatives and that is what this bill does,” said Sen. Ketron. “ It’s broad enough to look at all the options.”
Sen. Ketron said the agreements could save taxpayers money and help expedite the projects.
“Right now because of the growth we’re experiencing coming into Metro Nashville, we’ve got to act quickly,” said Sen. Ketron.
Sen. Ketron said Tennessee is one of a few states taking this approach. In Colorado, a P3 agreement helped complete a 32 mile light rail that runs from the Denver airport to downtown.
The Chief Policy Director at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Marc Hill, said in addition to reducing road congestion, the bill could encourage economic growth.
“For us, transportation is an economic issue,” said Hill. “As middle Tennessee is projected to grow by a million people over next 25 years, we’ve got to make sure people and goods can move across our region.”
Sen. Ketron said he hopes the bill will continue to gain support as it moves through the legislative session. He said some private companies are already expressing interest in participating in projects in Tennessee.
