page banner

Lawmaker's bill would make I-69 work a crime
Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris, R-Collierville -- whose district encompasses most of I-69's proposed route through West Tennessee -- said the interstate "is very important to the nation's transportation infrastructure, international concerns aside." more...

City receives grant to update welcome signs
State Reps. Craig Fitzhugh and Judy Barker and State Sen. Mark Norris were also instrumental in securing the grant for the city of Dyersburg. more...

Norris Says States Face Possible Reduced Reimbursement In Federal Highways Funds
Senator Norris said, "I'm glad the Tennessee General Assembly didn't authorize all the transportation bonds the governor asked for in his budget due to the uncertainty of this Fund right now. more...

States face reduced reimbursement in federal highways funds unless Congress acts soon says Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris
“Without action, states will again have to face the prospect of massive cutbacks in federal highway aid money going into the next fiscal year,” said Leader Norris. more...

Norris Addresses Transportation Funding Issues in D.C.
"Gas tax revenues have plummeted," says Norris. "We're advised the federal fund needs in excess of $5 billion more just to get us to the end of the fiscal year." more...

Stimulus could fund local roads
The Memphis-area lawmaker believes he's found a way to sock away millions of those dollars, while also helping local governments in Tennessee pay for needed roads, bridges and transit projects. more...

Tennessee: Senate delays Bredesen transportation request
Sen. Norris also questioned why the administration was pressing for authority to spend the federal transportation money through the fast-moving expansion request process instead of a supplemental budget that allows for more scrutiny by lawmakers. more...

Norris Continues to Promote “Green Travel”
“The HOV lanes are under-utilized,” says Norris.  “This reduces congestion without the expense of building new lanes, and it encourages the use of more fuel-efficient hybrids.” more...

Basin group analyzing road-related river issues
Heard Sen. Mark Norris say that a new report accuses Southern states of not protecting the Mississippi River from contamination. more...

Toyota hybrid announcement timely for Norris HOV law
This is not only because of skyrocketing fuel costs, but thanks to a new law passed by Norris allowing the Prius and other low-emission, energy-efficient vehicles to travel in Tennessee’s HOV lanes regardless of the number of passengers. more...

Without plates, arts, roads would suffer
Gov. Phil Bredesen is grousing about license plates again. He should forget about it. Specialty plates are generating revenue he cannot afford to lose. more...

Allow hybrids full use of HOV lanes, but enforcement is tricky
Rep. Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, and Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, are heading legislation that would add alternative-fuel and hybrid-electric vehicles to the current list allowed to use HOV lanes. more...

Work to make Rosemark safer
But for families with children attending Tipton-Rosemark Academy on Rosemark Road, it's a nightmare, said Senate Republican Leader Mark Norris of Collierville. more...

Roundtable to Discuss Transportation Issues
Norris serves as one of a select group of transportation law experts on the National Academy of Public Administration's Intergovernmental Forum on Transportation Finance. more...

Norris Announces Traffic Safety Grant for Shelby County
State Senate Republican Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville)
announced today safety improvements at the intersection of Tipton-Rosemark Road and Austin Peay Highway have been funded and should be in place early in the New Year. more...

Norris to Join Roundtable on Public Transportation
State Senate Republican Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) will join a panel of legislators and experts to discuss public transportation issues at a Tennessee Legislative Roundtable at 8:30a.m. on Thursday, November 29. more...

Stretch of Tenn. 385 opens up Arlington
In the excitement of what state Sen. Mark Norris called "a red-letter day," Arlington business owners began imagining the potential for the tree-lined highway. more...

Norris named to national forum
State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has been named a Principal of the National Intergovernmental Forum on Transportation Finance in Washington, D.C. more...

Norris Named to National Transportation Finance Committee
State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has been named a Principal of the National Intergovernmental Forum on Transportation Finance in Washington, D.C. more...

Intergovernmental Forum Focuses on Role of Governments, Financing Agreements For Surface Transportation
Together, the participants will study and make recommendations on the role of government in transportation finance and ways to finance transportation systems within the United States. more...

Sci-Fi Comes True...but only out West so far
Tennessee’s political landscape erupted last week over a poorly researched report that intimated serious electoral repercussions were due Senator Mark Norris of Collierville. more...  

Toll roads again eyed for Tennessee; Bredesen cool to the idea
But Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said toll roads "need to be taken off the table" until an estimated $217 million in fuel-tax revenue that has been diverted into non-transportation uses since 2002 has been "restored and repaid." more...

Blog-Running on Empty: Tennessean Gas Tax Story Rife With Misrepresentations
It's clear that the The Tennessean owes both Sen. Norris and Johnson an apology and a complete retraction of the story. The paper also owes readers an apology for a story that was, to its core, false. more...

Paging Ms. ‘Bleep’
The Tennessean’s new transportation reporter/columnist Kate Howard, aka Ms. Beep, reported two stories that sourced Sen. Mark Norris last week – stories Norris is now disputing. more...

Blog-Norris: What The BEEP Did You Do To Me?
Norris was simply schooling Howard about various things that one could do with gas taxes in the context of a wide ranging discussion on transportation -- the purpose of which was to educate the young reporter. more...

Blog-Retraction: Tennessean Got It Wrong on Norris
Characterizing the position as Norris' own was clearly a mistake on the part of the new reporter. more...

Blog-Strike Two: Tennessean Gets Gas Tax Story Wrong
"This issue was never on the table," Norris insists. "In a long conversation with Howard, I was giving her examples of other types of user fees after I said I was against raising the gas tax and against establishing tolls on top of a gas tax that the Bredesen administration is not even using. more...

State Senator disputes Tennessean reports
State Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville) may not be granting any interviews to The Tennessean anytime soon. more...

Memphis Takes Additional Step as Nexus Of Transportation and Commerce
The guest list for today's lunchtime presentation includes Tennessee Sen. Mark Norris; Jim Ray, chief counsel for the Federal Highway Administration; and Dave Huneryager, president and CEO of the Tennessee Trucking Association. more...

Legislator of the year
Tennessee Public Transportation Association has named Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, as its legislator of the year. more...

Hiking gas tax not in immediate plans, Bredesen administration, top Dem lawmaker say
Norris said if a gas tax increase is proposed to help raise revenue, it’s “inconsistent and ironic” since Bredesen opposed restoring full funding to the highway fund. more...

Let's meet the challenges of transportation
Among those who testified was Tennessee state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, who spoke in his capacity as chairman of the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee. more...

Tennessee Public Transportation Association Chooses Norris as Legislator of the Year
State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) has been recognized by the Tennessee Public Transportation Association (TPTA) as their 2006 Legislator of the Yearmore...

Norris to Testify before National Transportation Commission
State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) will address the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission when it convenes in Memphis on November 15. more...

The Road to (and From) Memphis: National transportation officials to convene in mid-November
"This is a big deal," said State Sen. Mark Norris, R-Memphis, chairman of the state senate's transportation committee. more...

Paying Homage to ‘the greatest generation’
Norris worked for three years to get the Purple Heart Trail designation of Highway 51. more...

Veterans to be honored with highway designation
“The Purple Heart Trail acknowledges the service and sacrifice of our Veterans,” Norris said. more...

Norris Elected to National Post
“Organizations like the Southern Legislative Conference have been instrumental in facilitating passage of important state and federal legislation that our states need,” Norris said. more...

Marathon session: I-69, storm water debated during three-hour gathering
Norris touched on an appeal process that residents could pursue if they are not satisfied with “fair market value” prices offered by TDOT. more...

Norris speaks to Bartlett Chamber
Norris expressed concern that although the state passed a $26 billion balanced budget, it's in a “$26 billion deficit in infrastructure.”  more...

'Lots of issues' in garage-gone-bad
He asked the comptroller to audit the case and said Morgan's report "will become an integral part of our investigation." more...

Garage costs city funds
"Apparently mistakes were made, and now this is the reckoning for it," said state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. more...

Public building authority may have mislead TDOT
State Senator Mark Norris says, "Well I'm certainly not pleased by it. And the level of deception that is reported is quite disturbing." more...

Senate pulls THP immigration bill
"Here’s the bottom line: the sponsor’s bill, as written, does nothing more than what the present law allows," said Norris, R-Collierville. more...

More State news
Senate Transportation Chairman Mark Norris said Tennessee needs the tax money to pay for infrastructure. more...

Few support gas tax relief in state
State Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris said the issue is a two-edged sword. more...

Lawmakers falter on state gas tax
"In Tennessee, it's not a good idea at this time because of the deficit we have in funding infrastructure needs," Norris said. more...

THP immigration enforcement bill halted by Senate debate
Senate Transportation Chairman Mark Norris said he wants to amend the bill to require the THP to seek immigration training from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by July 2007. more...

Use caution on trooper rules
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, is sponsoring a bill that would prohibit troopers from "running for, or holding, elective office and participating in partisan political activities." more...

Lawmakers set to battle with administration, each other over how to spend extra tax money
The battle will likely begin this week between the Bredesen administration and the state Legislature on how best to spend the minimum $116 million of extra tax money in next year’s budget. more...

Legislation Would Restrict Troopers’ Political Activities 
  NASHVILLE (AP) – One state senator is hoping to further clean up the embattled Tennessee Highway Patrol with legislation that would prohibit active members of the agency from engaging in certain political activities. more...

Norris, Bredesen differ over transportation funding
“We are in a pinch when it comes to transportation funding,” said Norris. more...

Immigration debate spurs state bills
The idea is for the THP to "augment or supplement" the enforcement activities of the federal government, according to Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville. more...

Governor, Norris in tiff over gas tax funds
Gov. Phil Bredesen and Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris are engaged in a dispute over state transportation funds. more...

Could it be true?
“I think it is good they are getting on with it,” said Norris. “They may have needed some additional time once the governor decided where he wanted the road to go.” more...

House vote to keep division with Safety may not mean much
"We thought that the governor's intention was to move them all to the TBI because what goes to the TBI, stays with the TBI," said Norris. more...

Norris, governor expand fund feud
"I wonder if Tennesseans know they are pumping gas for pre-K every time they fill up," Norris said. more...

Transfers might trump lawmakers' move to save THP unit
"We thought that the governor's intention was to move them all to the TBI, because what goes to the TBI, stays with the TBI," said Norris. more...

Effort in Tennessee seeks to secure road dollars
Senate Transportation Chairman Mark Norris said something must be done to help transportation. more...

Lawmakers slowing down bills curbing THP cronyism
Those who were pushing the legislative reforms said the problems at the Highway Patrol are so ingrained that administrative changes to policy are not enough. more...

Sen. Norris Calls For Restoring $43.8 Million To Road Fund
Sen. Norris said, “The governor describes the restoration as ‘money we don’t have’ which is misleading. This money accrues to the state with every gallon of gas sold. more...

Bredesen promises vetoes
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said it would be irresponsible not to restore full funding to road construction now that the state's budget "pinch" of three years ago has ended. more...

Bredesen criticizes highway fund, TennCare proposals
“People are spending pennies every time they fill up, and they think, ‘Well, this is dedicated road money and we don’t borrow funds to build roads in Tennessee,’” Norris said. more...

Radar detectors hit speed bump
He and Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, are sponsoring the legislation that would fine companies that make the offers up to $500. more...

Senators urge more road funds than does governor
"The state is running an ever-increasing deficit in meeting the state's infrastructure needs," said Senate Transportation Chairman Mark Norris. more...

Trooper training approved
Norris said federal funding is available to cover the cost of training for Highway Patrol officers and estimated about 30 would be trained and certified by next year. more...

Senate passes bill to train troopers on immigration laws
"This is designed to supplement our troopers' skills, not to supplant," Norris said. more...

Anti-illegal immigration bill passes Senate
“It’s time for the legislature to tell the Department of Safety that it’s time to start the training,” said Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville). more...

State immigration enforcement bill passes Senate
"The Department of Safety could have done this any time in the past three years... and chose not to," said the bill’s primary sponsor, Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville. more...

Senate passes bill to train troopers to enforce immigration laws
Senators voted 23-5 in favor of the bill sponsored by Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville. A companion bill is scheduled to be discussed Tuesday by the state government subcommittee in the House. more...

State Troopers May Soon Enforce Federal Immigration Laws
Monday night the Senate passed a measure that would require State Troopers to be trained to enforce federal immigration and customs laws. more...

Cost slows bus-safety bills
That legislation -- sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jerry West of Hermitage and Republican Sen. Mark Norris of Collierville -- remains stuck in a House subcommittee and has yet to move in the Senate.  more...

Troopers should help spot illegal immigrants, Alabama official says
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, is sponsoring legislation that would allow Tennessee to tap into federal funds to train patrol officers on immigration and customs laws. more...

Bill would train troopers to enforce immigration laws
(AP) -- Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers would be trained to enforce federal immigration and customs laws under legislation headed for a Senate vote. more...

An alternative to the roadside
The creation of memorial gardens could be part of the "Tennessee Roadscapes" initiative, fitting in with other beautification projects along interstates and other highways. more...

Audit discovers major problems within Dept. of Safety
"Overall, it reflects (that) it's a department in disarray, maybe to a disabling extent," said State Senator Mark Norris. more...

I-69 route to be told in April?
Norris said local elected leaders and residents are frustrated because they cannot make future plans in any areas which the route may be placed. more...

Norris supports self-defense, homestead bill
Norris, who chairs the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, has been studying Tennessee's emergency preparedness since last summer when Hurricane Katrina revealed deficiencies in many state plans, including Tennessee's. more...

Roadside R.I.P.
"It is a significant safety issue and there are related maintenance and upkeep issues. But it's safety first, and to have the bereaved standing along the interstate is too dangerous," Norris said. more...

Norris, Pinion Say No to Further Transportation Cuts
State legislators Mark Norris and Phillip Pinion said Friday they would fight Gov. Phil Bredesen’s decision to transfer additional dollars out of the transportation fund, given the state’s growing infrastructure needs.  more...

Dunlap native Walker to lead Highway Patrol
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville, whose panel has been investigating problems with the Department of Safety, questioned the timing of the announcement. more...

Support Needed For Stricter Immigration Control Bill
The Norris-Gresham bill has 37 sponsors in the House and three in the Senate, mostly Republicans. more...

License director had high-ranking pal, rose swiftly
Republican state Sen. Mark Norris, who has been holding a series of hearings digging into cronyism in the Department of Safety, said he was concerned about Large being appointed to the post without top-notch qualifications. more...

Bill would add immigration checks to THP routine duties
"It should be part and parcel of state law enforcement's function, just as we do drug enforcement," Norris said. more...

Legislature considers bills potpourri
State Sen. Mark Norris, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said he hasn’t seen Jones’ legislation, but supports enhanced security. more...

Democrats want Sundquist's ties to THP explored
Norris said his sole goal is revising the state's Little Hatch Act, which is designed to insulate state government employees from having to participate in political activities or fundraising to get ahead. more...

Democrats protest 'one-sided' claims
Norris said he would leave a decision on issuing a subpoena to Scott or others to the full committee but doubted the need to do so. more...

Senate committee reviews law on politicking by state workers
"As the law is written right now, it doesn't apply to the governor or the General Assembly," said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, and chair of the committee. more...

THP politics becoming partisan battle
Republican Senator Mark Norris labeled the complaints political posturing by the Governor's friends and invited Bredesen to tell anything he knows about the Highway Patrol.  more...

Lost job for backing GOP, ex-trooper says
Appearing with his lawyer, Farmer presented supporting documents to the committee which is investigating claims of cronyism in the department. more...

Legislators update chamber members on ethics reform
Crowe said he is co-sponsoring legislation with Sen. Mark Norris, R-Memphis, which he predicted would pass, to allow the Tennessee Highway Patrol to make arrests for violation of immigration laws. more...

Lawmakers plan to clean up the Tennessee Highway Patrol
"We need to look at the statute on official misconduct to make sure there are strict penalties in the event someone does interfere and cronyism creeps in," said Senator Norris. more...

Nicely vacation could extend Department of Safety job
State Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville), the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee that has been investigating the cronyism at Safety, said he never thought 60 days was a realistic timetable anyway. more...

Legislators ready to talk ethics
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville, has plans for his panel to conduct hearings on allegations of political cronyism and other improper conduct in the Tennessee Highway Patrol. more...

Local lawmakers fear ethics bill won’t solve problem
“I’m afraid the governor’s call for the special session is too narrow and won’t address everything it should,” said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, whose district includes all of Dyer County. more...

Tennessee Highway Patrol investigation centers on Memphis
"You want to make sure the fox is not in the hen house," Norris said, "and with all that we're hearing and all that we're seeing, there's a serious question of credibility." more...

THP to fire 4 troopers
State officials also are making changes so that it could be harder for those without clean records to get on the force. more...

Hearings Begin To Clean Up Highway Patrol
Leaders of the Tennessee Highway Patrol have been forced out and now TN State Senator Mark Norris leads a legislative committee investigating the agency. more...

Department Of Safety Questions Consistency of Background Checks
Friday, Norris said some of the background checks are inconsistent and this will be the focus of the investigation. more...

Crowe says Phillips should have led reorganization of THP
"We're looking into the sufficiency of the background checks as well as promotional patronage," Norris said. more...

Highway Patrol review in works
Norris said after the meeting that "half a dozen" troopers have approached legislators about providing information regarding misdeeds at THP. more...

Bredesen hires firm to study THP
Yesterday marked the first Senate hearing to consider fixes to a system that Sen. Mark Norris, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said is in need of reform. more...

State Sen. Mark Norris says he won't run for governor
State Sen. Mark Norris said he will not run for governor next year, dismissing speculation that he would seek the Republican nomination to challenge Gov. Phil Bredesen. more...

Legislators may support ban on trooper political donations
"That is why we are looking at legislation from other states to see if its appropriate and without violating constitutional rights, free speech and association and the like," said Sen. Mark Norris. more...

State hires firm with Bredesen contributor
Senators on the panel were concerned that the Bredesen administration settled on Kroll without allowing other companies to bid for the job. more...

Lawmakers may ban trooper political contributions
"We may need to consider that type of legislation," Transportation Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said. more...

Lawmakers call for ending politics within Dept. of Safety
Members of the Senate Transportation Committee meanwhile called for tighter restrictions on political activities within the Tennessee Highway Patrol, which is overseen by the department. more...

Lawmakers call for ending politics within Department of Safety
Some lawmakers also argued that the Highway Patrol should be placed back under the supervision of the state's Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. more...

Senators may seek ban on troopers' campaign donations
The Senate Transportation Committee, led by Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, quizzed Gerald Nicely, the state’s transportation commissioner more...

Editorial 12/12: THP shakeup is under way
That should help clear the air around what Norris described as a situation that has "grown much worse in the last three years than it ever was before." more...

TBI shelves THP ticket probe
That the results of any investigation might be "cloaked" behind secrecy rules is a concern to state Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville, more...

State has golden chance to changes its ways
Norris said his Senate committee, which oversees the Department of Safety, is conducting an investigation of the THP separate from the investigation being conducted by the governor’s office. more...

Highway patrol's chief is forced out
The commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol was forced to resign Tuesday, and state Sen. Mark Norris of Collierville announced plans to investigate reports of cronyism. more...

Pitts' pension includes 19 months' sick leave
Norris questioned whether it's appropriate for Pitts to get his pension if he broke the law. more...

THP head Pitts quits; more changes likely
Among changes lawmakers may attempt to impose is a prohibition on troopers donating to political campaigns, Norris said. more...

Tennessee Highways Again Rank Among Best in the Nation
“Recognition of this kind goes a long way towards furthering Tennessee's economic and transportation goals," Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris said. more...

Norris says committee probing THP issues
“We are looking into it now,” said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chairman of the Tennessee Senate Transportation and Safety Committee. more...

THP oversight committee has to repeat request for records
Norris, the chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, is gearing up for hearings to examine whether politics plays a role in promotions in the Highway Patrol. more...

Audit: 48 troopers had criminal charges
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville and chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, has said legislative hearings to investigate THP practices should be considered. more...

Capitol View Commentary
Maybe the Senate Transportation Committee chaired by Republican Mark Norris can come up with some answers. more...

Senate committee to investigate new Highway Patrol allegations
"We'll just try to get to the bottom of it as quickly as we can," said Senate Transportation Committee chair Mark Norris. more...

No officer should feel pressure to donate to a political campaign
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, says hearings to review the promotion practices at the department seem "inevitable." more...

Editorial 11/28: Politics at the THP
Making the case for a full investigation of the role that politics plays at the THP is state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, who wants legislative hearings to review the agency's promotion practices. more...

Investigation into THP promotions only option
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, is right to call for a full investigation into the practices of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. more...

Norris: Trooper hiring hearing 'inevitable'
A state Senate committee chairman says legislative hearings to review Tennessee Highway Patrol promotion practices seem "inevitable" following news reports that the process is tainted by politics. more...

Senator expects review of THP
"I would expect a timely response from administration officials and others," Norris said. more...

State senator questions THP practices
The questions Sen. Mark Norris wants answered revolve around the Tennessee Highway Patrol and its practices. more...

Norris Announces Short-Line Railroad Grant for Dyer County
“Several Dyer County industries utilize this short-line to ship products or obtain raw materials for use in their business,” Norris said. more...

Bredesen to workers: Favoritism not his way
On Wednesday, Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, wrote to Safety Commissioner Fred Phillips requesting extensive documentation for a legislative review of THP promotions. more...

Retreat has had THP officers on patrol
"I can't imagine any circumstance where that kind of security would be needed for such an event, let alone 12 troopers," said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville. more...

Governor to probe THP allegations
Sen. Mark Norris of Collierville, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said if the governor doesn't take steps to "clear the air" his committee might do so. more...

Governor to probe THP promotions, campaign contributions
"The issues raised are of concern and they need further inquiry," Norris said. more...

Bredesen to probe politicking at THP
"The issues you've raised are of concern and they need further inquiry," Norris said. more...

Major I-69 meeting set for Monday night
Norris organized a “pre-meeting” recently, where TDOT officials met with members of the public to discuss the formal hearing process. more...

Norris targets legislation to immigration training
State Sen. Mark Norris of Collierville introduced legislation authorizing Tennessee Highway Patrol officers to receive federal training in immigration and customs enforcement. more...

Norris seeks law to let troopers to arrest, detain illegal aliens Senator pursues immigration enforcement for homeland security
Norris (R-Collierville) introduced legislation last week authorizing Tennessee Highway Patrol officers to receive federal training in immigration and customs enforcement. more...

Toll roads could be in Tennessee future, say chairmen
“I’m interested in discussing the issue as part of the state’s long-term transportation plan,” said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee. more...

Norris Introduces Bill to Combat Illegal Immigration
Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville) introduced legislation last week authorizing Tennessee Highway Patrol officers to receive federal training in immigration and customs enforcement. more...

Norris Pursues Immigration Enforcement For Homeland Security
Norris, who chairs the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee which oversees the Department of Safety and Highway Patrol, cited the importance of curbing illegal immigration. more...

Norris Pursues Immigration Enforcement for Homeland Security
“Our troopers must have the authority in the course of their regular duties to detain, interrogate and arrest illegal aliens,” Norris said. more...

Governor Bredesen Announces Halls Enhancement Grant
“This project will really make a difference for Halls,” added Senator Mark Norris. more...

Timelines for Interstate 69 outlined
“This was a good meeting,” said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, who organized the informational meeting which was attended by around 300 residents. more...

People have many questions about I-69
The Tennessee Department of Transportation had just announced last week the dates for the formal hearings about I-69, yet the people of Tipton County still came. more...

Storm costs could delay Midstate rail
"The commuter rail project has been on somewhat of a fast track and has gotten a lot of support from congressional members from Middle Tennessee," Norris said. more...

Nashville area commuter rail funds may be redirected to Katrina
State Sen. Mark Norris, R-Colliersville, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, said that the amount of funding already invested in the project indicates that the $6.2 million will come through. more...

Transportation chairmen oppose gas tax rollback
Norris noted that the average Tennessean would realize a savings of about 50 cents a day from a gas tax moratorium, but a 30-day rollback would cost the state transportation department $50 million. more...

I-69 focus of Monday meeting
“It will give them a heads up, they can get information and gather their thoughts to make more meaningful comments at the official meetings,” said Norris. more...

Norris wants state emergency response plan updated, circulated
State Sen. Mark Norris wants Tennessee's emergency response plan upgraded in light of the experience of Hurricane Katrina's devastation of the Gulf coast. "I don't think our plan exists in any workable sense," Norris, R-Collierville, said. more...

Katrina frames quake review
State Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, also plans hearings by the Transportation and Safety Committee he chairs "to discuss Tennessee's emergency preparedness and incident response capabilities," possibly before the legislature convenes in January. more...

Norris Seeks Restoration of Funding for State's Infrastructure Needs
Norris, who chairs the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, called for restoration of full funding. more...

Our own 'Katrina' is lying in wait
State Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville and chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, has written Bredesen urging hearings on the state's emergency preparedness. more...

Scare Buying Zaps Fuel Supply  
“I’m very concerned about the situation,” Norris said. more...

House GOP urges suspension of gas tax
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said Gov. Bredesen already has "borrowed pretty heavily" from the transportation fund. more...

Norris says state emergency plans are lacking
Senator Mark Norris says the response to Hurricane Katrina shows what can go wrong when communications break down. more...

Norris Calls for Effective Disaster Planning 
“Plainly stated, we need a structured plan effectively linking elected officials in the state during times of crisis,” Norris said. more...

Norris asks governor to restore transportation funds
State Sen. Mark Norris is asking Gov. Phil Bredesen to restore motor fuel taxes to the Tennessee Transportation Department budget. more...

NFIB Activist Helps Protect Small Business From Excessive Truck Regulations
One legislator who heard Crenshaw’s pleas was state Sen. Mark Norris (Collierville), who had worked with his constituent to address legal concerns over federal regulations. more...

States responds to 'mystery' of I-69
The issue of Interstate 69 has been a hot topic in West Tennessee for many years. more...

What Cordova Can Teach Us
"In planning, you have to balance progress with preservation,'' Norris said. more...

Meeting scheduled to discuss Interstate 69
“I am trying to jump-start the process,” said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville. more...

Norris Elected to National Post
State Senator Mark Norris, (R-Collierville), has been elected Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee of the 16 state Southern Legislative Conference. more...

Toll roads seen as way to bypass congestion
State Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said he has met with Te nnessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely and other TDOT officials about building new roads as toll roads. more...

Highway to relief
The spark that could ignite the changes is a 65-mile bypass that would ring two-thirds of Chattanooga and rival Atlanta’s 64-mile Interstate 285 in size. more...

Mystery surrounds questions about I-69
“I cannot explain the delay,” said Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, about why Tennessee Department of Transportation officials have been saying for more than two years that public meetings are going to be held in order to determine a route through this area. more...

Norris Elected to National Post
State Senator Mark Norris, (R-Collierville), has been elected Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee of the 16 state Southern Legislative Conference. more...

Traffic flows on Yale Road extension
The long-awaited Yale Road extension opened July 18 with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and a parade of cars led by Mayor Keith McDonald that included state Sen. Mark Norris, TDOT officials and others. more...

I-69 breathes life with Senate bill approval
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said Thursday morning it is his understanding there will be public hearings “sometime in June in West Tennessee.” more...

Bredesen gets bill repealing asphalt law
The Senate approved the measure earlier by a 30-1 vote. more...

Tennessee
A 1976 statute that bars local governments from operating their own asphalt plants is closer to being repealed after an agreement with lobbyists for the road building industry. more...

Norris bill exempts small trucks in Tennessee from federal regulations
State Sen. Mark Norris recently heard from a constituent that federal regulations were preventing him from including his son in the family landscaping business and decided to try to help. more...

Senate to consider asphalt accord
An agreement between county officials and the state's road-building industry has paved the way for repeal of a state law that blocks local governments from making their own asphalt. more...

Bredesen releases list of funded road projects
Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said he’s fought for a better planning process since he joined the General Assembly four years ago. more...

State looks ahead at road projects
Gov. Phil Bredesen on Wednesday released a list of funded road projects planned for the next three years - an unprecedented move by the state, which usually plans those projects one year at a time. more...

3 years forward down I-69
State Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, who chairs the Senate's transportation committee, said the interstate represents "an important facility for Shelby County from the standpoint of economic development." more...

More progress made with Interstate 69
Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said recently he has been working with the federal government about related programs which come with construction of a major interstate. more...

Norris working on myriad of issues
“It’s been very busy,” said the state senator last week from his office in Nashville. more...

Watching government work is interesting
That’s because I was in Nashville for three days last week and spent some time with Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville. more...

Lawmakers consider new asphalt production bill
On Wednesday, Sen. Mark Norris's transportation committee asked the state comptroller's office for details on the lack of competition in the asphalt business. more...

Legislature weighs 1976 asphalt law
A new push is under way for repeal of a Tennessee law that county officials across the state contend may be increasing taxpayer costs in road construction and repair. more...

Committee takes up asphalt plant ban
Committee chairman Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, said he planned to call road builders and county officials to testify at the next hearing, which has not been scheduled. more...

Toll bridge could link Sumner to Nashville
While he hasn't talked to Black about her Sumner bridge proposal, Norris, a Republican from Collierville, is ''interested in alternatives,'' he said. more...

Norris given key committee post
Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) received a key appointment as the new Senate Transportation Chairman last week more...

County's three legislators all appointed committee chairmen
"It's really perfect for our district," said state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, newly appointed chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. more...

W. Tenn. calling shots in N'ville
Four other Shelby County senators are chairing four of the Senate's nine standing committees. more...

Appointments in state Senate frustrate GOP
Four of the nine Senate committees will be chaired by Shelby County senators, including the elevation of Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, to chairman of Transportation. more...

Senate shuffle gives GOP more leeway to pursue its agenda
Republicans got more power than they had as a minority party, but Democrats will still play a key role. more...

I-69's path laced with economic benefits
"It has major implications for economic development across West Tennessee over the next quarter century," says state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville. more...

TDOT contributes to I-69 coalition
Senator Mark Norris, who represents Dyer County, and Reps. Fitzhugh and Phillip Pinion, who share Dyer County, have been instrumental in securing the corridor in Dyer County, Revell said. more...

 


 

email updates index page