Bill > SB2205

This bill establishes the "Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Act" to facilitate the development of underground transportation projects, such as tunnels, by creating a statewide framework for their regulation and oversight. It creates the Governor's Infrastructure Coordination Council to streamline the review of these projects among state agencies and establishes the Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority (the "Authority") to resolve disputes and hear appeals related to such projects. The bill clarifies that the state has exclusive jurisdiction over subsurface construction, while local governments retain jurisdiction over surface construction, with specific limitations to prevent local regulations from hindering subterranean projects. It also addresses utility coordination, dispute resolution, operator liability, and establishes a Transit Project Fund for the administration of the act. The bill aims to attract private investment by providing regulatory certainty and predictable approval processes for these complex infrastructure projects, which are seen as crucial for expanding transportation capacity and promoting economic development in Tennessee.