TDOT is holding meetings across the state as part of an I-40/I-81 corridor study. This study will identify 'improvements' for the 550-mile Interstate 40/81 corridor between Bristol and Memphis. See Link...

Among the alternatives under study is the benefit of shifting freight to rail vs. adding new lanes to I-40 and I-81.

In Virginia, a comprehensive study of using rail vs. interstates for freight along I-81 will be released in May. Norfolk Southern is willing to share their data with state Departments of Transportation along the I-40/I-81 corridor.

We need to encourage TDOT to review the Virginia data before reaching any conclusions about what will be best for Tennessee. TDOT is currently relying on flawed analyses from over three years ago. And TDOT is already saying that widening the interstates will be more cost effective than shifting freight to rail.

Some observers think TDOT intends to avoid thorough environmental analysis of the major transportation options for the I-40/81 corridor. For example, if they segment the widening of I-40 and I-81 into dozens of small construction projects these will have NEPA clearances under categorical exclusions.

A full-corridor environmental impact statement is necessary for the rail alternative to be properly defined and a full accounting of costs and benefits done. In a thorough benefit/cost analysis, adverse environmental impacts are recognized and accounted for even if, in some cases, you cannot put a dollar value on them.

Please attend the Knoxville area TDOT meeting and urge TDOT to look at Norfolk Southern’s data. The Knoxville meeting is Monday, April 7, 5-7pm in the auditorium at TDOT headquarters, 7345 Region Lane, Knoxville (this is at the Strawberry Plains exit of I-40).

Written comments will be also accepted within twenty-one (21) days after the workshop date to the following address: Project Comments, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Suite 700, James K. Polk Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0332.

Friday, April 4 will be a dynamite "First Friday Luncheon."

There will be a roundtable discussion featuring Howard Kerr, one of Blount County's most distinguished citizens. Howard Kerr has served our community in many ways, including terms in the State Legislature. He competed for the Republican nomination for Mayor in 2006, finishing 2nd in the primary to Jerry Cunningham.

Others on the panel will be: Jim Folts, Chair of "Citizens For Better Government." Mr. Folts retired after founding several computer companies; Arnold Klugman, an engineer who retired as head of Worldwide Manufacturing for Motorola. Mr. Klugman is active in community affairs and is trying to bring industry to Blount County; and Commissioner Wendy Pitts Reeves.

The panel will lead a discussion dealing with "Blount County's Future."

The First Friday Luncheon meets at Ryan's Buffet Restaurant, Hunters Crossing, Alcoa--near Wal-Mart. We meet at 11:30AM for lunch. The dynamic program will begin at 12Noon.

Remember--this Friday, April 4 at Ryan's.

Blount County Ethics Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
6:00PM
Blount County Court House
Room 433 (County Commission Room)

Be there!

Newly appointed Knox County commissioner Victoria DeFreese is not going to hand over the names and contact info of citizens who have contacted her about the p-card audit, despite Mayor Ragsdale's request that she do so. Off the top of my head, I think she's doing the right thing.

Looking at this through the filter of Blount County politicians and their recent actions, I'm thinking that if fellow elected officials are treated so badly for asking questions, I would truly hate to see what the local machine would do to mere citizens.

Did I say "would do"? How about allegedly done to? Link...

RNeal's blog from Knoxviews: Link...

Volunteer TV News: Link...

WATE TV: Link...

WBIR coverage: Link...

Hang on to those papers, Ms. DeFreese. At minimum, you open your constituents up to "spam." At maximum, intimidation.