TDOT 2004-2005 State Budget Request Summary 

• TDOT revenues in the amount of $65.4 million will be transferred to the general fund. This is the same amount TDOT transferred in last year’s budget.
   
• The Department proposes to add one million dollars to the State Aid bridge fund, which is listed as part of code 455 on the attached budget summary sheet.  That will bring the total amount of state money available for bridge repair up to $10.6 million dollars. That money will be used to assist local governments in a matching program that will change to an 80/20 match from a 70/30 match.  The counties will continue to be eligible for 20% of our federal off-system bridge funds which are listed as code 488.
   
• In order to plan for future transit needs, aimed at reducing traffic related pollution and congestion, Commissioner Nicely is proposing to add nearly two million dollars to TDOT’s Mass Transit program. That brings the Mass Transit fund to about $30 million dollars for 2004-2005.  
   
• TDOT is also moving ahead with funding plans for improvements needed in a dangerous section of I-40 in downtown Knoxville.  The department is requesting approval for a bond authorization equaling $80 million.  TDOT does not intend to sell those bonds unless absolutely necessary, but it is proposing to seek this authorization to insure that funds will be available to move ahead with this important project.
   
• TDOT has included a funding request to purchase a new aerial photography plane.  The current plane used by the state, the twin turbine engine Commander 840, is 22 years old.  The operational expenses are cost prohibitive due to the plane’s age.  Repairs due to fatigue to the wings, engine and propeller overhauls along with other repairs and maintenance would cost approximately $885,000 next year alone.  The new plane would cost approximately $1.2 million after trading in the old one.  This aircraft is needed to conduct aerial surveys for TDOT and other departments of state government. 
   
• TDOT eliminated 720 positions over the past four years in order to streamline its staff.  Those positions will not be refilled.
   
• The Department proposes to increase its resurfacing budget in 2004-05 to approximately $85 million.  This is needed due to the harsh winter of 2002-03 and the aging of our state road system.
   
• It is important to note that TDOT and all DOTs across the country are currently working on a temporary federal funding status that will continue until at least February.  Congress has not passed a new highway bill. ISTEA (Transportation Equity Act) expired September 30, 2003.  We have been operating under a 5-month extension.  Hopefully Congress will pass a new six-year bill before the temporary extension expires February 29, 2004.  The TEA provides TDOT with the biggest bulk of its budget.  Numerous projects may be postponed early in the year until the department knows what amount of federal funding it will receive for 2004-2005.
   
• The state portion of TDOT’s budget comes from a 21.4-cent tax derived from gas and diesel fuel purchases in Tennessee along with charges on motor vehicle registrations.