Clement, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has been an instrumental supporter of commuter rail development in Middle Tennessee as a way to reduce the pressures that unprecedented growth have placed on the Nashville area's transportation system.
Traffic jams add something, too pollution, stress, frustration, fatigue, accidents, and road rage.
These new resources for commuter rail can have a significant positive impact on the quality of life for everyone in this region. Both Clement and Gordon began exploring the possibility of bringing commuter rail to Middle Tennessee several years ago in an effort to relieve traffic congestion in the region, which has experienced a significant population growth in the past decade. Commuter rail will give Middle Tennesseans alternative transportation and relieve our congested roads and interstates. At a time when our Legislature is struggling to overcome budget constraints, any help the federal government can give the state is welcome. Commuter rail will also help Middle Tennessee's economic development because top companies look at a region's transportation systems when considering an area in which to locate.