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HB 1129

Highways, Roads and Bridges - As enacted, lifts certain restrictions on temporary borrow pits used to source material for a road work construction project performed in a FEMA-certified county under a contract for construction work entered into with the state that is part of a state or local Hurricane Helene recovery effort. - Amends TCA Title 54, Chapter 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Farmer

Tennessee removes temporary borrow pit restrictions for Hurricane Helene road recovery projects to expedite material sourcing and reconstruction in FEMA-certified counties.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 230
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Bill Summary · HB 1129

Legislative bill overview

HB 1129 removes regulatory restrictions on temporary borrow pits (excavation sites used to extract soil and materials) in FEMA-certified counties during Hurricane Helene recovery construction projects. The bill specifically applies to state-contracted road work and construction efforts related to disaster recovery, modifying Tennessee Code Title 54.

Why is this important

Hurricane Helene caused significant infrastructure damage across Tennessee, requiring substantial road reconstruction. By streamlining borrow pit regulations, the bill aims to accelerate material sourcing and reduce construction costs and timelines for critical recovery infrastructure repairs in affected counties.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental oversight concerns: Reduced restrictions on borrow pits may limit environmental reviews, potentially affecting water quality, soil erosion, and ecosystem disruption in recovery areas
  • Scope and duration: The bill's language regarding which projects qualify and how long exemptions last could create ambiguity or allow extended use beyond the intended recovery period
  • Local impact: Communities near borrow pit sites may experience temporary increased truck traffic, dust, and land disruption during extraction, with limited mitigation requirements under loosened regulations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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