The Tennessee State Senate on Tuesday advanced legislation that would create a new state authority to oversee subterranean transportation projects, beginning with the Music City Loop in Nashville.
Introduced earlier this month as Senate Bill 2205 by State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the Senate Commerce and Labor Subcommittee on Tuesday approved an amendment to rename the legislation the Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Act.
As amended, the bill would create the Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority (STICA), which Johnson said on Wednesday would help Tennessee expand underground transportation and alleviate surface traffic.
“Tennessee is growing rapidly, and our surface transportation corridors are increasingly constrained by development, right-of-way limitations, and cost,” Johnson stated in a press release. “This legislation ensures that emerging subterranean transportation systems constructed in this state are regulated under a clear, predictable, and uniform framework.”
The Republican leader added, “Underground transit can reduce surface congestion, connect our satellite communities more efficiently, and provide Tennesseans with a viable and affordable public transportation option — all without placing additional cost on taxpayers.”
Under the bill, an 11-member board would be granted significant regulatory power over underground transit projects, becoming the single, consolidated application and approval authority in Tennessee, and streamlining the regulatory hurdles faced by Elon Musk’s Boring Company during its preparations for the Music City Loop.
Seven board members will be appointed, including one gubernatorial appointee, three from the speaker of the State House, and three from the speaker of the State Senate.
The rest of the board will consist of the Tennessee State Fire Marshal, the commissioner of Commerce and Insurance, the commissioner of Transportation, and the commissioner of Environment and Conservation.
Johnson said the streamlined process will help attract future investments, such as the Music City Loop.
“When private partners are prepared to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation infrastructure in Tennessee, they need clarity and consistency,” stated Johnson. “This bill reduces regulatory fragmentation, establishes uniform safety standards, and positions our state to responsibly oversee next-generation transportation systems at scale.”
He added, “When private companies have the ability to provide low-cost, safe, and efficient transportation options to our citizens — without costing taxpayers a dime — we should do everything in our power to encourage that private investment.”
Johnson’s legislation is next slated for consideration by the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee. The State House version of the bill, HB 2450 by State Representative Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville), is currently assigned to the House Transportation Subcommittee.
Johnson’s bill advanced just one day before Musk’s Boring Company obtained its final regulatory approvals to begin the Music City Loop, which Governor Bill Lee said will be completed by the end of this year.
– – –
Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Senator Jack Johnson” by Senator Jack Johnson.
