WZTV reports, getting the Tennessee legislature to authorize public-private partnership projects is central to Governor Bill Lee’s plan to build tolled express lanes, which is one component of his comprehensive proposal to expand and improve of transportation infrastructure. However, P3 is a sticking point for some lawmakers, such as State Representative John Ray Clemmons (D-55). He tells WZTV, “The state needs to manage and operate [express lanes] so that the state is held accountable for what those rates are. We do not need a private company profiting off of traffic congestion. That is that is simply unacceptable as a proposal.” Clemmons has amendments ready to offer when the governor’s proposed Transportation Modernization Act of 2023 is introduced.
