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Tennessee to Lose $60 Million in Highway Funds

Press Release

Date: Aug. 19, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Transportation

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) today was notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that Tennessee stands to lose approximately $60 million in funding for highways because of a recent bill passed by the state legislature.

The bill, SB 1317, reduced alcohol offenses for minor drivers. It changed the allowable Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) from .02 to .08 for 18-to-20-year-olds. It was signed into law on May 5 and went into effect on July 1.

The federal zero tolerance ​law requires that states limit BAC to .02 for drivers under 21. If a state is not in compliance with federal drunk driving laws, the U.S. Department of Transportation must ​withhold 8% of federal highway funding. ​NHTSA officials warned that if Tennessee is not in compliance on October 1, 2016, Tennessee will forfeit approximately $60 million in highway funding.

"This must be a mistake," Rep. Cooper said. "No one wants more drunk drivers on the road. State leaders should act​ immediately and comply with a zero tolerance policy."


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