Answers to our traffic woes in the future will not come from more roads. And more cars driving more miles makes the challenge of meeting tough new air quality standards even more daunting. Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Saltsman and Mayor Bill Purcell traveled to Washington this fall to successfully lobby for funds to provide transportation alternatives in middle Tennessee. Contrary to what some may want you to believe, TDOT does more than just build roads. As these and other projects illustrate, the most significant direct control that state government has in ensuring sensible growth in Tennessee is through management and control of our state's infrastructure.
Public infrastructure is an enormous cost, and one that is directly linked to growth.
It is up to state government to make information about these costs, and less costly alternatives, available to local decision-makers. By providing information, technical assistance, and targeted funding, state government can improve the quality of land use decisions. State government can also shape infrastructure so that it is cost-effective and environmentally sound, and considers related impacts. I am happy to announce today that Governor Sundquist has expanded his Executive Branch Strategic Plan to focus Tennessee's plan for infrastructure. This means gathering, tracking and sharing valuable data and information to improve decisions.