Written by Deedrick Jeffries

A Tale of Two Districts: Infrastructure Development in Steve Cohen's 9th District vs. Surrounding Areas

As the 2024 congressional race intensifies, the spotlight turns to the infrastructure development achievements of Tennessee's 9th Congressional District under the long tenure of Steve Cohen. A comparative analysis with the surrounding districts reveals a stark contrast in the progress and federal funding secured for transportation and infrastructure projects.

Tennessee's 9th District: Struggles and Stagnation

Steve Cohen has represented Tennessee's 9th District since 2007, a period during which Memphis and Shelby County have faced significant infrastructure challenges. Despite some federal investments, the district has struggled to keep pace with the infrastructure advancements seen in neighboring areas.

Key Projects and Funding:

• Road Maintenance and Construction: Tennessee's 9th District has seen federal and state investments in road maintenance, but these have not been sufficient to address the growing wear and tear on the roads. The Sycamore Institute highlights that Tennessee's vehicle-related excise taxes, a major funding source, are not responsive to road funding needs, exacerbating the issue.
• Public Transportation: While there have been efforts to improve public transportation, the district still faces significant challenges. The funding for public transportation has not kept up with the increasing demand and aging infrastructure.

Surrounding Districts: A Surge in Development

In contrast, the surrounding districts in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi have made notable strides in infrastructure development, thanks to substantial federal funding and strategic projects.

Tennessee's 7th and 8th Districts:

• Federal Highway Funding: These districts have benefited from significant federal highway formula funding. For instance, Tennessee's 8th District has seen a substantial increase in median household income, partly due to improved infrastructure.
• Local and State Collaboration: The collaboration between local and state governments has been more effective in these districts, leading to better maintenance and development of public roads.

Arkansas's 1st and 2nd Districts:

• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Arkansas has received approximately $3.8 billion over five years in federal highway formula funding, a 32% increase over previous levels. This funding has been pivotal in repairing and rebuilding roads and bridges, focusing on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety.
• Bridge Investment Program: Arkansas can compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program, which has already started to deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.

Mississippi's 1st and 2nd Districts:

• RAISE Grants: The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant program has awarded significant funds to Mississippi. For example, Laurel received $24.8 million for road reconstruction and safety improvements, while Meridian received $3.5 million for road widening and pedestrian facilities.
• Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Mississippi expects to receive about $3.6 billion over five years in federal highway formula funding, a 29.3% increase over previous levels. This funding is aimed at repairing roads and bridges, improving safety, and supporting economic growth.

Conclusion: A Call for Renewed Focus

The comparison between Tennessee's 9th District and its neighboring districts underscores the need for renewed focus and strategic planning in infrastructure development. While Steve Cohen has secured some federal funding, the district lags behind in terms of significant infrastructure improvements. The surrounding districts have leveraged federal programs and strategic investments to enhance their infrastructure, leading to better economic outcomes and improved quality of life for their residents.

As voters head to the polls, it is crucial to consider the effectiveness of their representatives in securing federal resources and implementing policies that drive infrastructure development. The future of Tennessee's 9th District depends on a robust and visionary approach to infrastructure, ensuring that it can compete and thrive alongside its neighbors.

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