Tennessee Transportation Committee opens session, prioritizes finding new revenue streams

Chairman Allen, chair of the Transportation Committee, called the Feb. 4 organizational meeting to order and used the session to set committee procedures, introduce staff and outside resources, and lead a policy discussion that emphasized finding new, recurring revenue streams for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

The committee adopted a set of administrative rules for handling bills and testimony: bills must be placed on notice through the House portal by 3:30 p.m. Wednesday before a committee meeting; amendment deadlines vary by committee schedule (Friday close of business for committees that meet Monday, and for this Tuesday committee, amendments must be submitted by 10 a.m. the day before); verbal amendments and late filings will not be considered; witness cards must be submitted at least 24 hours before the meeting and are not a guarantee to testify. The chair also said the committee’s meeting time is 10:30–11:00 a.m., followed by the subcommittee.

Why it matters: Committee procedure affects which bills get debated and when amendments can be made. Members and staff repeatedly framed the year as one in which the committee will need to address long-term funding for highways, bridges and other transportation modes.

Much of the substantive discussion focused on transportation funding. "I don't think there's any more important issue than finding additional revenue streams," Chairman Allen said, adding that TDOT’s budget could reach a point within the next five to ten years where it would only be able to maintain existing assets without new funding. He illustrated the point by noting the state’s gas tax has not kept pace with inflation: "We first had a gas tax back in 1923. ... Hundred and 2 years later, that 2¢, inflation wise, is worth 36¢, but our gas tax is only 27¢." The chair said the gap demonstrates the need to identify alternate revenue sources rather than relying solely on traditional gas-tax receipts.

Representative Ronnie Glenn asked about the committee’s goals for the year; Chairman Allen and Transportation Subcommittee Chair Hawke both emphasized seeking a consistent, recurring revenue stream. Hawke described past use of the general fund in recent years — referring to the modernization legislation the legislature passed two years ago — and suggested there may be options to reprioritize recurring general fund dollars toward transportation projects.

Representative Behn told the committee he intends to present legislation he described as the "Pot for Potholes Act," a proposal to legalize marijuana with a revenue allocation plan that would direct 80% of the revenue to the general highway fund. Behn said he will present that bill to the committee in the future.

Members also noted other transportation needs beyond roads. Representative Bridal reminded colleagues that the committee’s scope includes rail and waterways; members discussed mass transit and potential rail improvements between Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis. The chair mentioned plans to arrange a behind-the-scenes tour of Nashville International Airport (BNA) for new members to view TDOT’s aeronautics-related work.

Staff and outside resources introduced themselves: Brett Howden, executive director of the Tennessee County Highway Officials Society, said he works with all 95 counties; Joel Hayes was identified as the committee’s transportation attorney; Jeremy Maxwell was introduced as a research analyst; Lauren Cabrera as a committee intern; and clerks and sergeant-at-arms were named for member reference.

No formal votes on legislation occurred at the meeting. The chair closed the session after organization and discussion and the committee adjourned.

The meeting covered procedural housekeeping that will govern how bills are noticed and amended this session, signaled a policy priority on identifying new revenue for TDOT, and surfaced potential future items for the committee calendar, including a member tour of airport facilities and forthcoming bills to address funding.