Bill > HB1129

This bill provides a temporary exemption to existing Tennessee regulations regarding borrow pits (areas where earth materials like soil or gravel are extracted, typically for road construction projects) for specific road work related to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The exemption applies only to temporary borrow pits used in counties officially certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during a specific week-long period from September 26 to October 3, 2024. Specifically, the bill suspends certain existing restrictions on borrow pits that would normally limit their use, allowing more flexibility for state-contracted construction work aimed at hurricane recovery. The exemption has a long-term sunset provision, expiring on June 30, 2039, which means these relaxed regulations will remain in effect for approximately 15 years after the initial hurricane recovery period. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law, which suggests an urgent need to facilitate recovery infrastructure and road construction in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1129&ga=114