Tennessee House Democrats want Gov. Bill Lee to focus on bringing passenger rail to the state.  A government advisory commission study shows intercity passenger rail could improve mobility and grow the state’s economy. The ball is now in the governor’s court. 

More: Tennessee passenger rail study prioritizes connections to Chicago, Atlanta and Louisville

Citizens have been wanting passenger rail in the state for over a decade. Currently, Memphis has an Amtrak station that can take you to either Chicago or New Orleans. But Nashville and the rest of Tennessee don’t have any routes.

Nashville Democratic Rep. John Ray Clemmons says adding a Nashville to Atlanta route could pay off big for the state.

“You’re looking at the potential total economic output of $18.2 billion just by connecting Nashville to Atlanta alone,” Clemmons said. “Not to mention the amount of construction jobs that would be created.”

Clemmons says the next steps for the governor is to figure out how much it’ll cost and work with the Federal Railroad Administration to get the ball rolling. 

Tennessee Department of Transportation Director Beth Emmons says her organization will engage the FRA, bordering states and Amtrak to get everyone on the same page.