Don’t worry, “WE” don’t have to pay it back

from TaxingTennessee by Ben Cunningham

A Clip from the Legislative Report where Transportation Commissioner Nicely is testifying about the stimulus money.

Rep Floyd asks Commissioner Nicely if we have to pay back the stimulus money… in true bureaucratic fashion he says:

“No sir, long as the fed govt will print it and send it, we’ll spend it.”

 

So commissioner Nicely thinks this is FREE money? Maybe he forgets that Tennessee taxpayers ALSO pay federal taxes??

Stimulus package may be good news for Mack Hatcher

By Mindy Tate. Williamson Herald Editor

But next Friday, Franklin officials hope to hear good news regarding funding for the northwest section of Mack Hatcher between Hillsboro Road and State Route 96 West. The all-important environmental impact study was recently completed on that section of the road and funding has been dedicated for preliminary engineering by Southern Land Co. The city of Franklin has agreed to pay for a portion of final design and right of way for this section. Right-of-way and construction phases have yet to be funded, Oaks said.

With word that Tennessee may get as much as $613 million in federal stimulus funding for highway and bridge construction, state and local officials are all wondering where the money will go.

“My impression is that TDOT is looking at the stimulus package and while Mack Hatcher can’t get stimulus money, it may free up money on other projects that can be funded by stimulus funds,” Franklin Mayor John Schroer said.

To be eligible for stimulus funding, a project must be ready to turn the shovel within 180 days of notice of stimulus approval, Schroer said, although design work, right-of-way acquisition and construction qualify for stimulus funding, according to Fourth Ward Alderman Dan Klatt.

“Shovel ready” means any of those components ready to implement within 180 days of funding and that local road projects could receive stimulus funding through the Metropolitan Planning Organization if they are identified on the city’s long-range thoroughfare plan, Klatt said. The city’s Capital Investment Plan Committee will consider a proposal to update the city’s major thoroughfare plan on Feb. 12, he added. The plan has not been updated since 2003 and there is some urgency because of the stimulus package, Klatt said.

While Mack Hatcher has been on state and local planning boards for 10 years, it is nowhere near that time frame.
And no decision has been made on stimulus funding, Oaks said.

“As far as stimulus funds are concerned, we are still waiting to see what action the Senate will take,” Oaks said. “Their bill is likely to differ from the House. According to the House bill, Tennessee would receive around $613 million for highway and bridge construction. Keep in mind that a portion of those funds will go to the Metropolitan Planning Organizations also.”
Tennessee is also likely to receive more than $62 million for transit, Oaks said

TDOT recommends tollway projects

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is recommending two major tollway projects on either end of the state.

TDOT considered seven potential toll projects, but only deemed two cost effective – a bridge over the Tennessee River in Chattanooga and a bridge over the Mississippi River in Memphis.

However, tolls paid by drivers will not fully fund either project, leaving a 25 percent gap in the overall cost.

Meanwhile, TDOT is also looking at the incomplete extension of Mac Hatcher Parkway in Franklin as another tollway project. A complete analysis of Mac Hatcher won’t be finished until April.

By Andy Harper

Infrastructure Corporation of America fails at slaying the TDOT Dragon

TDOT Nixes Privatization Amid Budget Woes
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

A Brentwood-based company would love to manage part of the state’s transportation system, but initial conversations haven’t gone anywhere.

“When you have a large organization with a lot of people and equipment, you spend the vast amount of your time doing nothing but managing the equipment and the people.”

Dover had been in talks with TDOT about taking over some functions as early as next year. But commissioner Gerald Nicely says now isn’t the time.

“I just think right now, in today’s environment, with employee layoffs threatened, with buyouts going on and the concern of our employees, I just think we don’t need to plunge into that area right now.”

Nicely says privatization could generate savings in the long run, but it could have costs up front. He says he would be willing to try privatization if directed by the General Assembly. And such efforts could find a warmer welcome in the upcoming session since Republican’s now lead both chambers.

–>By Blake Farmer