MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Following a high-level summit between local authorities, state lawmakers, and top transportation officials, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has reaffirmed its commitment to constructing the Pellissippi Parkway Extension, assuring community leaders that funding for the multi-million-dollar corridor is locked in place.

In a legal memorandum issued by attorney Craig L. Garrett summarizing a June 25 meeting, counsel confirmed that the project remains a primary priority on TDOT’s official 10-year infrastructure plan and is fully moving forward.

1. Firm Commitment to Construct

Addressing questions surrounding the project’s timeline and long-term status, state transportation officials emphasized their commitment to completing the highway extension.

According to the legal memorandum, TDOT representatives assured officials that the extension is fully backed by the state:

“The TDOT representatives again confirmed that this project is on TDOT’s 10-year project list and as such, TDOT is fully committed to the completion of this project.”

Furthermore, state officials expressed high confidence that construction will proceed without interruption:

“In TDOT’s opinion, this project will definitely go forward to competition absent some type of unusual occurrence such as a natural disaster that no one anticipates.”

Under the contract, TDOT maintains 100% responsibility for all five operational phases of the project: Environmental Clearance, Preliminary Engineering, Right-of-Way, Utility Coordination, and Construction.

2. Earmarked Funding & Capped Local Liability

The meeting also provided vital clarity on project financing and local financial exposure. Legal counsel confirmed that state and federal dollars earmarked for the extension are fully approved and secured, requiring no additional legislative or federal approvals:

“The state and federal funds for this project are already in place and approved and no further state or federal government approval will be necessary for these earmarked funds.”

While total right-of-way acquisition is estimated at approximately $35,000,000, Blount County’s financial obligation under Exhibit A is strictly capped at $5,000,000.

Counsel alleviated local concerns regarding cost overruns, clarifying that signing the agreement does not expose local municipalities to additional liability:

“The County would not be automatically obligated to pay any additional money by signing this contract… the local governments (Maryville, Alcoa and Blount County) would only be liable for additional funds if that was negotiated and approved by the local governments at a later date.”

TDOT noted a key administrative deadline of August 15, by which date the department must formally accept the federal funding package to ensure the funds remain dedicated to the Pellissippi Extension.

Meeting Attendees and Titles

Below is the complete list of officials and representatives who attended the June 25 meeting:

Local Government & Leadership

• Ed Mitchell — Blount County Mayor (Memorandum Addressee)
• Craig L. Garrett — Attorney at Law, PLLC (Memorandum Author)
• Jared Anderson — Chairman, Blount County Commission / Board
• Brian Baldwin — Blount County Official / Commissioner
• Bryan Daniels — Blount Partnership Representative

State Legislators

• Sen. Tom Hatcher — Tennessee State Senator
• Sen. Becky Massey — Tennessee State Senator
• Rep. Tom Stinnett — Tennessee State Representative

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) – Region 1

• Amanda Snowden — Region 1 Regional Director
• Jeremy Mefford — Region 1 Senior Project Manager
• Kristin Qualls — Region 1 Project Management Director
• John Barrett — Region 1 Project Manager
• Christie Brown — Region 1 Director of Pre-Construction
• Matt Hart — Region 1 Director of Operations