Sevier County transportation panel approves speed-limit resets and plans to resurface Old Newport Highway

The Sevier County Transportation Committee on Feb. 20 unanimously approved resetting multiple speed limits and authorized a plan to resurface about 4 miles of Old Newport Highway.

Chairman Ronnie Allen called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. in Courthouse room 304E. Highway Department Superintendent Jonas Smelcer told the committee that staff had identified a set of speed limits that should be reset; Committee member Kent Woods moved to adopt the changes and Committee member Tommy Watts seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Smelcer also reported that state aid to counties "might be increased by the governor this year," and recommended using anticipated funds to resurface roughly 4 miles of Old Newport Highway. He said that if additional funding remains after that project, resurfacing work could proceed on Pearl Valley. Committee member Kent Woods moved to proceed with the resurfacing plan; Tommy Watts seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

The transcript does not specify dollar amounts or a firm grant award; Smelcer presented the resurfacing as contingent on potential state aid. No deadline or procurement details were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The committee did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript; the minutes note the motions were seconded and described as unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m.

What happens next: county staff will proceed with the administrative steps needed to implement the approved speed-limit changes and to plan the resurfacing project pending available state funds.