Tennessee Approves No-Cost Lease for Elon Musk Nashville Tunnel Amid Public Criticism

Tennessee has approved a no-cost lease of a state parking lot near the Capitol to Elon Musk's The Boring Company to begin work on the Music City Loop, a proposed 10-mile underground tunnel connecting downtown Nashville to the airport using Tesla vehicles. The project, praised by Governor Bill Lee, has faced significant criticism for its rapid approval without public input or transparency, with Democratic leaders and local residents expressing concerns about the environmental impact, financial risks borne by the community, and lack of a thorough vetting process. Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell revealed he had known about the tunnel plans for about a year but withheld support due to concerns over safety, surface integrity, and potential costs, sparking criticism that his opposition may be politically motivated given the project's lack of taxpayer funding. Despite the controversy, The Boring Company has already begun staging work on the site, raising questions about whether the approval process was merely a formality. Critics argue the tunnel primarily benefits Musk's companies and tourists rather than Nashvillians, and question the state's decision to give away public land and potentially mineral rights to a private billionaire without sufficient public discussion. The debate continues over the project's potential to improve transit access and the balance of risks and rewards for the local community.