TDOT outlines $30 billion needs, seeks recurring and one‑time funds to shore up pavements, bridges and safety

The Tennessee Department of Transportation told the House Transportation Committee on Friday that flat state revenue and rising construction and labor costs have left the agency unable to keep pace with a growing backlog of pavement, bridge and safety needs.

TDOT Commissioner Ealy told the committee the department’s long‑term funding model “has been able to eat what we kill,” meaning growth in gas tax receipts previously kept pace with needs, but that is no longer true. “That gas tax revenue stream that we’ve had is now flat,” Ealy said. He described the combination of flat revenues and rapidly rising construction costs as the central problem facing the agency.

Why it matters: TDOT officials said the state has roughly $30 billion in outstanding transportation needs and that continuing to rely on current revenue sources risks further deterioration of road and bridge conditions, higher construction costs later and safety consequences for motorists and pedestrians.

What TDOT proposed and why TDOT presented a mix of recurring and nonrecurring requests to address preservation, safety and project acceleration. Deputy Commissioner and chief financial officer Joe Galvato summarized the scale: “The statewide need … was about…