Lawmakers propose governing authority as Music City subterranean transit advances

Sen. Jack Johnson said state legislation would create a governing authority for large subterranean transit projects such as the Music City Loop, which is already under construction for a downtown-to-airport route.

Johnson described the authority as similar to existing airport or economic development authorities, with membership drawn from governor's cabinet and appointments by legislative leaders. "All of the permitting, environmental safety, the transportation, the easement, the right of way, dealing with utilities...all of that was done without this legislation," he said, adding the bill aims to provide long-term oversight for future projects.

Panelists noted the project's first segment is underway with tunneling equipment in place, and that local authorities (Music City Center authority and the airport authority) have approved ingress/egress points and long-term leases. The lawmaker said the authority would not be required for the current project to proceed but would establish governance for similar projects going forward.

No bill number or timeline for committee action was provided at the forum.