Tennessee needs at least $62.9 billion worth of public infrastructure improvements during the five-year period of July 2021 to June 2026—a $1.2 billion (2.0%) increase from the year before—according to a new report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR). Infrastructure needs for Transportation and Utilities increased for the seventh year in a row ($750 million) and continues to be the largest category in the inventory, with $35.2 billion in total needs. Total estimated costs for current infrastructure needs in Education: $14.8 billion; Health, Safety, and Welfare: $8.9 billion; Recreation and Culture: $2.3 billion; General Government: $1.3 billion; and Economic Development: $246 million.
According to the report, Cumberland County’s estimated costs for needed Infrastructure Improvements for July 2021 through June 2026 tops $537 million. The estimated costs for all types of infrastructure are divided between conceptual projects and those that have moved into the planning and design stage or have started construction. The infrastructure needed at public school systems is also compared to student enrollment. With that in mind, the report for Cumberland County includes almost $438 million for needed Transportation improvements, over $66 million for Water and Waste Water improvements, and $10.5 million for just the Conceptual phase of New Schools & Additions.
The complete report can be viewed at tn.gov and the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations’ website.
