Lee seeks permitting reform to speed housing, touts roads, parks and water access investments

NASHVILLE — Governor Bill Lee urged lawmakers to reform permitting statewide to reduce construction delays and lower housing costs, and he described continued investments in roads and natural resources.

Lee cited the Transportation Modernization Act and a 10‑year TDOT plan, thanked TDOT workers for responding to recent winter weather, and noted that Tennessee was ranked recently by a national consumer outlet for its roads. He said recent permitting delays drive up housing costs and proposed legislation to "accelerate business times, lower cost, safely streamline construction in Tennessee."

Separately, Lee proposed eight new state parks and a Blueway development to boost access to waterways and to fund water‑quality improvements across rivers and streams.

What happens next: The governor named policy goals and priorities; he did not present bill text or regulatory changes during the address and invited the General Assembly to work with the administration on statutory and administrative reforms.