Tennessee Democrats propose legislation to improve roads, transportation [Video]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee Democrats announced a series of legislative proposals Tuesday aimed at improving transportation and roads, including a bill that would end the state’s “pay-as-you-go” funding model for projects and allow it to take out debt to pay for improvements instead.

According to the state’s annual infrastructure audit, Tennessee has a backlog of $34 billion in road and transportation projects which Democrats blame on the Republican supermajority and the state’s funding model that requires it to spend only the money it has on hand on road improvements—versus taking out debt to fully fund the projects.

Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) announced Tuesday plans to sponsor legislation that would end the “pay-as-you-go” funding model, which she said results in taxpayers getting the least new road miles at the highest possible cost.

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The bill would instead allow Tennessee to take advantage of its good credit by using debt to …