Below is a statement from Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero regarding TDOT's announcement that the agency has effectively stopped work on the James White Parkway Extension Project, following action by the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization.

Statement from Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero:

"I would like to thank Commissioner Schroer for listening to regional representatives at the Transportation Planning Organization and ending TDOT's consideration of an extension to the James White Parkway. This action protects the Urban Wilderness and allows us to capitalize on this incredible regional economic and tourism opportunity as an outdoor recreation destination. I look forward to continuing to work with TDOT to address safety and traffic issues along Chapman Highway and our other vital transportation corridors."

Statement from TDOT Commissioner John Schroer:

"Today's action by the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) effectively stops work on the James White Parkway Extension Project. Until today, TDOT continued work on the project because it was included in the Knoxville TPO's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The project was developed in part to address safety and congestion issues along Chapman Highway. We remain concerned that our efforts to improve conditions along Chapman Highway will not be sufficient now, and particularly in the future. TDOT will not build projects that aren't supported by communities and our local partners. Today, we received a clear statement by the current members of the Knoxville TPO that they do not wish to see the project progress. We will no longer commit any further resources to this project."