Commission approves $78 billion five‑year public infrastructure needs inventory

The Tennessee Legislative Research Commission approved its annual inventory of public infrastructure needs, which compiles reported projects in conceptual, planning/design or construction stages for the five‑year period beginning July 2023.

Research manager Tyler Carpenter told commissioners the statewide reported need totaled about $78,000,000,000 — roughly $10,000,000,000 more than the previous year — and that the figure has increased for the ninth consecutive year. Transportation accounted for the largest share of need at about $38,000,000,000; combined transportation and utilities needs were reported at roughly $39,000,000,000. Education infrastructure needs totaled about $19,019,000,000, with K–12 renovation and post‑secondary projects driving much of the increase; the University of Memphis and Tennessee State University accounted for about half of the growth in post‑secondary needs.

Carpenter noted the percentage of reported needs that were funded rose by one percentage point from the prior inventory and directed members to county summaries and appendices for project‑level details. He thanked development districts for data collection and sought approval of the inventory. The chairman moved approval; the vice chair seconded. The commission approved the inventory unanimously by voice vote.

The staff presentation highlighted where localities saw growing costs and directed commissioners to tables and appendices for county breakdowns and school district information. The report recommended continued collection and publication of the inventory to inform planning and funding decisions.