When the Tennessee legislature opens its next session in January, transportation infrastructure will be the “one big ticket item” pushed by Governor Bill Lee (R), according to State Representative Mark Cochran (R-23). In an interview with The Daily Post-Athenian, Cochran, newly elected to a leadership post in the House majority caucus, says lawmakers are waiting to see the details of Lee’s proposal to develop tolled express lanes. “That will be a new concept to Tennessee so we will see what they propose and how they envision it.” He believes lawmakers will also explore highway construction procurement — “We want to make sure we are doing it efficiently and in a way that is fiscally responsibly” — and an increase in the registration fee paid by electric vehicle owners.
