Senator Niceley named Vice-Chairman of Senate Transportation Committee

State Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) has been appointed 2nd Vice-Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee for the 2013-2014 legislative sessions. The appointment was made by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey as the 108th General Assembly concluded their organizational session in Nashville this week.

“Good roads are a vital link to Tennessee’s economic future,” said Senator Niceley. “We have many financial challenges due to a significant reduction in federal road funds. I look forward to working with Chairman Tracy and my colleagues in addressing Tennessee’s transportation needs during the 108th General Assembly.”

The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee is responsible for highways, roads and bridges; railroads; air, bus and vehicular transportation; rules and regulations for highways, and facilities in connection with and navigation of waterways, lakes and streams; and the Department of Safety.

In addition Senator Niceley was appointed to the Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee. Formerly the Conservation and Environment Committee, the Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee will now hear all issues regarding farming following a Senate rule change adopted on Thursday. This is in addition to energy, forestry, natural resources, conservation, game, fish, mines and minerals which already fell under the scope of the committee.

“Farming is extremely important to our local economy and I look forward to working with farmers to boost Tennessee agricultural exports. Hunting and fishing are also very important to our citizens and these are also matters debated in this committee. All in all, I was very pleased with these assignments.

The General Assembly will take a brief recess to make office assignments and await budget details before convening the first full week of the regular 2013 legislative session on January 28.