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Cookeville council backs state funding request to boost short-line railroads to $20M annually
Summary
Council voted to send a letter to Tennessee legislators urging full funding of the Transportation Equity Fund and a specific annual allocation of $20 million to support short-line railroads; city staff said funds could help replace railroad ties from Carthage to Monterey.
The Cookeville City Council on Jan. 16 approved sending a letter to state legislators urging full funding of the Transportation Equity Fund and requesting a $20 million annual allocation to support short-line railroads across Tennessee.
City staff said the National and Eastern Railroad Authority and the town of Monterey requested the city join a regional appeal. Staff noted that, if funding is approved in the state budget, the National Eastern Railroad Authority would seek a portion of the funds to replace ties on the line between Carthage and Monterey to increase rail utilization and foster economic development in Putnam County.
Council discussion included remarks about the historical importance of the rail line from Nashville to Cookeville and a suggestion by one councilor that the segment beyond Cookeville toward Monterey could be reimagined as a rail-to-trail corridor to boost tourism and outdoor recreation, while supporting repairs where needed. The council voted 5–0 to approve the letter of support.
