A resolution requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the entire Tennessee General Assembly, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Mayor Bill Purcell to apply for federal funding to address the unsightly conditions within the right-of-way of the downtown interstate loop.

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Transportation is responsible for the construction and maintenance of state roads and highways; and

WHEREAS, for many years the state right-of-way within the downtown interstate loop consisting of I-65 to the north and south, I-24 to the east, and I-40 to the west has been poorly maintained and is aesthetically unpleasing; and

WHEREAS, these sections of state right-of-way passing through the inner-city neighborhoods do not receive the same treatment as right-of-way in the suburban areas; and

WHEREAS, noise abatement walls have proven to substantially reduce highway noise levels in residential areas, and have been used by the Tennessee Department of Transportation on numerous occasions; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Transportation frequently receives federal funds for roadway improvements in areas of Nashville outside of the downtown area, including numerous improvements to Briley Parkway; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the state and local governments seek to maximize federal and state funding to improve the right-of-way conditions within the downtown interstate loop to enhance the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the entire Tennessee General Assembly, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and Mayor Bill Purcell to apply for federal funding to address the unsightly conditions within the right-of-way of the downtown interstate loop.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Phil Bredesen, to the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, to Mayor Bill Purcell, and to Gerald Nicely, the Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner.

Section 3. The Mayor, the Department of Public Works, and the Board of Parks and Recreation are further requested to respond to the Council as to the action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days after the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace