Cohen Introduces Bills to Spur Development of Memphis Aerotropolis

[WASHINGTON, DC] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced two bills aimed at boosting the development of “aerotropolis” transportation systems both in Memphis and across the country. An aerotropolis is a new method of urban development focused on promoting diverse development around an airport. The Congressman’s Aerotropolis Act of 2014 and the Leading and Expediting Aerotropolis Development (LEAD) Act of 2014 would enhance economic competitiveness and spur job growth in cities like Memphis by helping to increase the pace at which burgeoning aerotropolis projects can develop.

“The Memphis Aerotropolis is more than a transportation network—it is an economic development engine for the Mid-South,” said Congressman Cohen. “The need to ship and receive goods more quickly and over longer distances is increasing by the day. Establishing aerotropolis transportation systems in Memphis and across the country will kick-start economic growth, create jobs, improve our freight transportation network, and enable us to compete more effectively in the modern global economy.”

Congressman Cohen worked to include language in the most recent surface transportation bill (MAP-21) that would include the aerotropolis concept into the National Freight Program, which aims to improve and maintain the national freight network. In 2010, the Congressman also helped secure $1.26 million in funding for the Memphis Aerotropolis master plan. Last week, Mayor A C Wharton released the master plan to the public at the University of Memphis FedEx Institute of Technology.

Without federal support and investment, aerotropolis development will not take flight in the United States, leaving our nation’s economy grounded. Congressman Cohen’s Aerotropolis Act of 2014 would amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) to clarify that aerotropolis-related projects are eligible to receive funds under the Projects of National and Regional Significance Program. The Projects of National Significance Program funds projects with significant national economic benefits that cannot be funded through traditional funding mechanisms, making the program an appropriate funding mechanism for aerotropolis transportation systems.

Many aerotropolis transportation systems throughout the country are developing too slowly because of a lack of funding for preconstruction activities. The Leading and Expediting Aerotropolis Development (LEAD) Act of 2014 would establish a grant program to provide funding assistance to local entities for the planning, design, environmental review, and land acquisition for aerotropolis transportation system projects. By providing a small influx of money in the preconstruction phase, the bill would help localities dramatically expedite project delivery, enhance U.S. competitiveness, and create jobs.

Both measures have the potential to provide millions of dollars in funding to the Memphis Aerotropolis to fund projects like the 3rd Bridge, I69, and I22/78 Corridor.