State Lawmakers advocate for Elvis Presley Blvd. Project Funding
Returning a key Project to the Radar
In a move that promises to breathe life back into a stalled project, state lawmakers have pledged to restore funding for the Elvis Presley Blvd Project. The multi-million-dollar makeover of the iconic Elvis Presley Boulevard, which was potentially on pause, will be reprioritised, according to State Representative Karen Camper and State Senator Raumesh Akbari.
The two have disclosed plans to hold a meeting with TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley to articulate the imperative nature of the Elvis Presley Boulevard project. The ultimate objective: to have the boulevard refurbishment included in the TDOT’s proposed budget for the coming year.
Loss of Funding Puts Project on Hold
Since the last decade, there have been plans to widen and aesthetically enhance this approximately three-mile segment of Elvis Presley Boulevard, starting from Brooks Road to Shelby Drive. The first phase of this beautification project was successfully concluded in 2021.
However, the rest of the proposed project, whose subsequent phase was to commence this summer, was put in limbo after the state transportation officials suspended its funding. Around $20 million had been earmarked for this project’s second segment, which stretches from Winchester to Craft Road.
It was a significant loss, considering the echelons of community leaders, business owners, and stakeholders who had awaited the completion of the project. Most of the businesses that initially supported the initiative are no more.
A Typhoon of Shock
The decision to halt the project’s funding was met with shock and disbelief by city leaders who only recently learned about the development. Public Works Director Robert Knecht sharply criticized the abrupt decision, expressing his bewilderment at the lack of communication regarding the project’s termination.
The issue at hand, according to many leaders, resulted from funded projects not being ready for unrestricted implementation. Therefore, TDOT decided to either hold the funds or redirect them while waiting for city leaders to commence the project.
Revamped Efforts to Save the Elvis Presley Blvd
Despite the challenges, a wave of optimism filled with a determination not to let the project die has emerged. State Representative G.A. Hardaway and other state and local leaders have highlighted the project’s importance for Whitehaven community residents and tourism.
The city council plans to do everything it can to make sure the city plays its part in advocating for residents. In addition, efforts are underway to make the famous roadway a priority as plans for the upcoming budgetary allocation get underway.
Lawmakers, residents, and stakeholders are being urged to keep those in authority accountable and to speak out, helping to ensure that the Elvis Presley Boulevard project does not fall by the wayside.
This renewed momentum suggests that state lawmakers’ determination to push forward the cause of the Elvis Presley Boulevard development may restore the project to TDOT’s radar. The restoration of this national icon to its past glory would undoubtedly serve as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated civic engagement.
