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September 5, 2006 New Seasons The passing of Labor Day marks the arrival of “new seasons” (even though the first day of Autumn isn’t until September 22). Football season. Dove season. Some say “campaign season” even though all of the campaigns leading up to the November 7 elections seem to have been under way for a long time now. Norris News remains committed to the principle that we all have too much clutter in our lives these days – especially in e-mail – so we will be brief in recapping the summer’s events. As always, if you no longer wish to receive these periodic updates, please unsubscribe. Economy I was elected Chairman of the Southern Legislative Conference Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee in August. I hope to be able to work with the other 15 member states to forge an agenda that will help boost the economies of all southeastern states. Tennessee’s unemployment rate of 6% remains higher than the national unemployment rate. One of my objectives is to create a Southeastern United States Trade Association with Canada. It is one of our largest partners in foreign trade, and the potential for increased economic opportunities is great. I met with representatives of the Canadian Consulate from Atlanta last month in Nashville and have scheduled talks with Canadian Consul General, Brian Oak, during his visit to Memphis later this month. Energy The need for alternative energy, nothing new but “front of mind” as gasoline pushed $3.00 per gallon most of the summer, remains at the top of my agenda. As one of the earliest sponsors of legislation promoting renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel in Tennessee, I am frustrated that there are so few outlets for it in this state. What good is it to buy a new, flex-fuel automobile equipped to run on ethanol if there are only three pumps for it anywhere in the State of Tennessee? As Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, I have overseen the conversion of more than 130 TDOT vehicles to alternative fuels, but we have to make these fuels more readily available across the state. We began the Biofuels Refueling Infrastructure Program earlier this year. Using federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement funds, the project will convert or install fuel storage tanks equipped to dispense E85 (ethanol) and B20 (biodiesel) in a statewide network easily accessible to the public. Environment After more than five years of effort, trails will return to a portion of Meeman-Shelby Forest in West Tennessee closed to horseback riding for many years. The Department of Environment and Conservation awarded funds last month which will pay eighty percent of the cost of building four connecting loops totaling eight miles for use by hikers and horsemen. I have worked with the Meeman-Shelby Forest Trail Savers since I was a county commissioner and co-sponsored the Senate legislation designating Meeman-Shelby a State Natural Area while preserving the ability to build these trails several years ago. It has taken this long to get the go ahead. Construction may begin as early as January 2007. Our work also continues on the Mississippi River Natural and Recreational Corridor in West Tennessee. As a member of the advisory board for this important project, our mission is to “conserve the natural corridor along the Mississippi River in Tennessee while we create ways for people to access, experience, enjoy and learn about the Tennessee stretch of the Great River. The mission will be accomplished in our time through public/private partnerships involving local, state and national partners.” As Chairman of Senate Transportation, I am working with TDOT to prepare for a conference on October 17 during which the final route and infrastructure needs will be determined. For more information, visit the website at www.msrivertn.org. Veterans’ Affairs The members of the Joint Select Oversight Committee on Veterans’ Affairs were shocked to learn during the summer about allegations that Tennessee Veterans were rotting to death in two facilities built by the State. Though not officially run as State facilities, the Board of Directors which administers them is appointed by the governor and includes the Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs. Following two hearings by the Oversight Committee on which I serve during June and July, the Department of Health closed both facilities to new admissions pending approval of corrective action plans. I wrote the governor on August 10 to request his response to specific questions which need to be answered if the State of Tennessee is to continue to be involved in attempting to provide long term care to Veterans (read the letter at www.marknorris.org ). At this writing, the governor has been unable to respond due to his illness. On a more pleasant note, highway signage for the Purple Heart Trail, commemorating the service and sacrifice of our Veterans, is going up along designated routes. I was proud to sponsor the legislation designating Hwy. 51 from Millington through Dyersburg as West Tennessee’s Purple Heart Trail. We are home to two Veterans’ Museums along Highway 51 – one in Tipton County and the other at Halls owned and operated by the Dyersburg Army Air Base Memorial Association. We will celebrate the Veterans’ Museum’s Twenty Year Homecoming on September 23. Until next time, enjoy the cooler weather!
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