Welcome and Introduction

Chairman Don Thornton welcomed the NWRPO Technical Committee members and TDOT staff to the meeting. Mr. Thornton then explained the day’s agenda to the committee.

Purpose of the Meeting

Roll was called by RPO coordinator Rob Goad. Chairman Thornton asked for an approval of the meeting minutes from the previous technical committee meeting. The motion was seconded by Jeff Jones. Goad then asked that members who wished to provide a presentation over their respective projects to do so. Vice Chairman Jimmy Williamson began the discussion by drawing the committee’s attention to the projects vital to the Cates Landing Port in Tiptonville, TN. These projects included 6001001, 6001002, 6001003, and 6001005. Williamson asked TDOT about a possible misprint regarding 21 to 22 in Ky, and that this particular project was already being funded. The change was noted by TDOT. Williamson noted that these projects were extremely important to the port as they provided ingress and egress to major highways including I40, I155, and the future I69. He finished his presentation by further noting that this project (Cates Landing) would benefit the region. Carl Stoppenhagen discussed SR77 and it’s importance to the area. Stoppenhagen noted that SR77 is geometrically challenged, offers access to a brand new golf facility located in Gibson County, and is vital to industry-produced east/west traffic. Mr. Stoppenhagen further noted that capacity issues may crop up in 10 years or less due to increasing industry in the area. David Pechin made note of SR54’s importance to the region, notably entrance to Ky, and it’s geometric and capacity issues in the near term. Linda Holder continued with the presentation by stating that 54 is heavily used by truck/freight and that without 54 trucks would be relegated to backroads. Bill Hazlewood mentioned that Volunteer Express trucking has 50 to 60 trucks per day on 54 as 54 offers a direct route to Paris, Puryear, Jackson. David Pechin made note of US 70’s (6001009) numerous geometric and safety issues. Linda Holder then discussed 54’s (6001013) importance to ICS manufacturing in Paris and that a turning lane is desperately needed. Carl Stoppenhagen noted that project # 6001010 is very important to freight companies. Mr. Stoppenhagen further noted that finishing project # 6001014 was a natural extension as otherwise it would remain unfinished.

David Taylor made a motion to include project # 6001004 in the prioritization as it had erroneously been left out of the prioritization list. The motion was seconded by Jimmy Williamson.

Technical Committee members were then asked to prioritize these projects for future development.

After votes were tabulated by Rob Goad and Erik Anderson, Chairman Thornton announced the ranking of each project.

Carl Stoppenhagen made a motion to recommend the prioritized list to the Executive Committee and the motion was carried by Jimmy Williamson.

Don Thornton asked TDOT when they could expect the TPR reports. Paula Strauss explained that the reports may be available in 6 months to a year.

Don Thornton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion to adjourn was seconded.

Regional and Planning

NWTDD