GOP pitches new state authority to oversee Music City Loop project

Driving the news: Johnson's bill comes to light one week before the Metro Council will vote on a symbolic resolution from Councilmember Delishia Porterfield opposing the Music City Loop.

Catch up quick: The Boring Company wants to build a network of underground tunnels that Tesla taxis could use to transport people around town. Supporters say it will ease the city's traffic problems.

• The first leg of the tunnel system would connect downtown to the airport, but the broader plan would add tunnels on other busy roads.

What he's saying: Johnson says Tennessee needs to make sure it can handle critical issues like fire, safety and environmental concerns "thoroughly but efficiently."

• "The challenge to rapid deployment of these systems is not necessarily technology," he added. "It's overlapping road regulations and a patchwork of bureaucratic delay."

Between the lines: While most of the roads identified for the Music City Loop are overseen by the state, at least some aspects of the project could need Metro right-of-way approval.

• The city is also responsible for administrative permits related to emergency vehicle access and utilities.

Zoom in: Johnson's proposal would create a new state-controlled agency called the Subterranean Transportation Infrastructure Coordination Authority.

• The authority would be empowered to execute contracts, acquire property and enter into lease agreements with firms like the Boring Company.
• It would also "regulate land use, utilities and utility systems, and other necessary infrastructure within and without a transit project."

Members would be appointed by state leaders — not the Nashville mayor.

Friction point: The bill requires companies to receive local approval for projects that would burrow under city-owned roads.

• But companies could appeal to the new state authority "if the local government entity's standards are more stringent."

The other side: State Sen. Heidi Campbell, a Nashville Democrat, bashed the legislation for preempting Metro. She tells Axios "it's clear Nashvillians don't want the Music City Loop."

• "This is about taking over local control and it's absolutely outrageous," she says.

The latest: Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday announced joint state and federal approval of the permit for the first leg of the Music City Loop. The state has also approved a lease agreement with the Boring Company.

• The Airport Authority unanimously approved a $34 million lease agreement last week for the Boring Company to build a station on airport property.

What's next: The bill needs full approval from the Senate and has not yet been considered in the House.