Tennessee's infrastructure needs continue to soar, hitting $78 billion

Construction projects and utility upgrades needed to accommodate Tennessee's skyrocketing population add up to a price tag of nearly $78 billion, according to an annual report tracking the state's infrastructure demands.
Why it matters: That total is about $10 billion higher than it was in 2024.
State of play: The newly approved report compiled by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) is meant to provide state and local policymakers a roadmap as they work to improve transportation, education and public safety.
The report considers projects that were in the conceptual, planning and design, or construction phases from 2023-2028.
The intrigue: About two-thirds of projects in the TACIR report aren't funded, although projects typically get more funding allocated as they move through early phases of development.
The big picture: TACIR's report reflects the cost of growth.
Tennessee's infrastructure needs have increased for nine consecutive years, in tandem with significant population spikes, especially in Middle Tennessee.
Driving the news: Transportation continues to be the report's most expensive sector, with more than $38 billion in needs statewide.
About $4.6 billion in transportation needs are concentrated in Nashville, where voters recently approved a new tax increase to bankroll better sidewalks, roads and transit.
That tax boost, which went into effect this month, will fund a $3.1 billion improvement plan.
Education is another big-ticket area, with $19 billion in projects listed.
That includes $6.6 billion needed for school renovations, a jump of nearly $900 million year over year.
Schools in Davidson, Wilson and Rutherford counties accounted for most of that increase, which the report ties with "continued rapid population and job growth in the coming decade and beyond."
By the numbers: The infrastructure total includes an array of major projects.
$157 million is earmarked for new student housing at Tennessee State University.
Tennessee Tower is included, with $114 million for a renovation project and $136 million to construct a new building parking garage.
A $119 million upgrade for the Tennessee Supreme Court building is listed.
$23 million is listed for a gravesite improvement project at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis.
Reality check: The latest total does not cover recovery work related to Hurricane Helene damage in East Tennessee, which will surely drive costs higher in next year's report.

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