Tennessee Senate Bill SB2324

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Engrossed: 3/7/24
• Enrolled: 4/1/24
• Passed: 4/9/24
• Chaptered: 4/17/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 67-3-901, relative to public and environmental infrastructure at marinas.

Impact

The implementation of SB2324 is expected to enhance the infrastructure at marinas across Tennessee. It mandates that at least twenty-five marinas receive these grants, thereby potentially improving facilities and services which could include environmental management and public access improvements. This bill could lead to an increase in funding for marinas that are more active in terms of sales, encouraging a more competitive environment among marina operators.

Summary

Senate Bill 2324 proposes an amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 67-3-901, focusing on public and environmental infrastructure improvements at marinas. The bill stipulates that any grants awarded to marinas from the allocated funds must be proportional to the volume of gasoline sold at those locations. This aim is to ensure that financial support is directly tied to the activity of the marinas, fostering a stronger link between sales performance and grant distribution.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards SB2324 has been generally positive, as it aims to provide financial support where it is directly applicable, thus aligning resources with demand. Stakeholders involved in the marina industry have expressed support, emphasizing the necessity for improved infrastructure that can handle increased business volumes effectively. Overall, the bill has been well-received among legislators, indicated by the unanimous passage during voting.

Contention

While the bill has garnered wide support, some concerns were raised about the fairness of the grant distribution method, particularly for smaller marinas that may not have high gasoline sales. Critics argue that tying funding solely to gasoline sales may overlook broader environmental contributions or community impacts that aren't measured in sales figures. Furthermore, the requirement for a minimum number of grant recipients raises questions about ensuring equitable support across diverse marina operators.