Freddie O'Connell
Mayor Freddie O’Connell this week announced his first capital spending plan, a $514 million wish list of projects around the city.
While there is a $35 million-plus increase from the total in 2023's plan, Metro Finance Director Kevin Crumbo said Friday it is “investing in our city while living within our means.”
“This keeps us level for where we are,” O’Connell added. “This does not increase our debt as a share of operating.”
The mayor annually proposes a capital improvements budget listing potential projects to be completed during the ensuing several years. The Metro Council will have final say in which projects get funded in the annual spending plan later this year. Some of the items on O’Connell’s list have been featured on past lists.
The biggest chunk is earmarked for Metro Nashville Public Schools between $58 million for design and construction and $47.5 million for other projects. Just behind that is the Nashville Department of Transportation, not to exceed $94.6 million. There is a new line item for transportation planning and Connect Downtown in addition to renewed attention to existing work on sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
Continued funding for projects include the second phase of the juvenile justice center and Lakeview, Paragon Mills and Percy Priest elementary schools. New funding is included for a Second Avenue waste diversion pilot program and solar panel installation for Glencliff High School and MLK Magnet School.
Around $25 million is designated for the East Bank alone, the mayor said in a press conference, adding that there is more funding for other areas of Nashville.
“The neighborhood investments here far exceed it,” O’Connell said. “Our commitment is going to be to make sure that we are investing in the entire city.”
Other items
- $3.17 million for WeGo Access Paratransit Vehicle Replacement
- $8.6 million for replacement buses/chassis
- $15 million for libraries, three times the amount from 2023
- $23 million for the Nashville Fire Department, doubled from 2023
- $3 million for replacing end-of-life police records management system
This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.
