Tesla tunnel bill raises questions about governor's 'no cost to taxpayers' promise скачать в хорошем качестве

Tesla tunnel bill raises questions about governor's 'no cost to taxpayers' promise

A major promise from Governor Bill Lee was that a proposed Tesla tunnel project involving Elon Musk’s Boring Company would come at zero cost to taxpayers. But a bill now moving through the state legislature is raising new questions about whether that promise still holds up. Senate Bill 2205 would create what's called the Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority — a new state agency designed to oversee the underground portion of certain transit projects. According to the bill’s fiscal memorandum, the authority would require 20 new state positions at an estimated cost of about $5 million per year. The authority would establish a state-level application, approval, permitting, inspection and regulatory process for underground transit infrastructure. Critics argue the bill appears tailored to support Elon Musk's Boring Company and its proposed Tesla tunnel project. They question why a new agency — with a multi-million-dollar annual budget — is necessary if the project is truly being built at no cost to taxpayers. Opponents also warn the bill could limit local governments’ authority over what happens beneath their own streets, shifting oversight from cities and counties to the state. Even some Republicans have expressed concern. Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr has said local governments should have a say in projects that impact their communities. Supporters of the legislation argue the measure modernizes oversight of emerging transportation technologies and ensures consistent statewide standards for underground transit projects. As lawmakers debate the proposal, the key question remains: If the project costs taxpayers nothing, why is new state funding needed at all? FOX 17 News will continue to follow developments at the Capitol. https://fox17.com/news/local/tesla-tu... _______________ Follow! Like! Share! Subscribe! WZTV on Facebook:   / foxnashville   WZTV on X:   / foxnashville   https://fox17.com Email us: news@fox17.com Call the Newsroom: 615.369.1717 Fox 17 provides local news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment for Nashville and nearby towns and communities in Middle Tennessee, including Forest Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Fairview, Dickson, Clarksville, White House, Greenbrier, Springfield, Gallatin, Hartsville, Lebanon, Mt Juliet, Smyrna, College Grove, Thompson’s Station, Centerville, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Lewisburg, Shelbyville, Manchester, McMinnville, Smithville, Sparta, Cookeville, Hohenwald, Waverly, Camden, Paris, Lafayette, Portland, and in Kentucky, Russelville, Bowling Green, Franklin, Alvaton, Scottsville, Hopkinsville, Glasgow. #WZTV #fox17news #foxnashville #nashville #tennessee #tn #middletn #localnews #breakingnews #trending #musiccityloop #elonmusk #teslatunnel