Amp Opponents Courting Lawmakers To Block Not Just Funding, But Route

The proposed route for the Amp would run from White Bridge Road on the west side of Nashville (above) through downtown to Five Points in East Nashville. (Image via Metro Transit Authority)

Opponents of a dedicated bus lane across Nashville, known as the Amp, want Tennessee lawmakers to help them stop the project.  They’re hoping they can pressure state transportation officials into barring the Amp’s use of state roads.

Its route would run right past the car dealership of Lee Beaman, who’s used his deep pockets to campaign against the Amp as well as for the GOP.  That gives him some clout with the party that rules the state legislature, where he paid a visit Wednesday.

Beaman’s hoping to get lawmakers to pressure the transportation department, and the governor, who’s been more-or-less neutral on the Amp so far.  Opponents say they may push for a resolution against the project.

That comes after House Speaker Beth Harwell threw cold water on Metro’s hope of getting the state to pay some $35 million to help fund the Amp – some 20 percent of its budget.  Right now city officials are working to build support, while waiting to hear whether they’ll receive crucial federal funding to move the project forward.