It’s been a week since the story originally fell into my lap and five days since it broke. The DNJ finally has the news:

The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a measure that would require transportation officials to grant an easement along I-24 long sought by Barrett Firearms, a company that makes high-caliber military rifles. Owner Ronnie Barrett says transportation officials have reneged on a promise to allow the easement that was made when he launched an expansion in 2005.

But some observers say the legislature is overstepping its bounds — perhaps to benefit only one well-connected local business owner.

Since 2004, Barrett has given nearly $10,000 to legislators, including Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, and state Rep. Donna Rowland, R-Murfreesboro, to whom Barrett is engaged.

“There clearly is an issue … when there is a legislator or two doing something to favor a constituent or a friend or a contributor,” said Dick Williams, state chairman for Common Cause. “What’s not clear is that this is just to benefit one special interest.”

Governor Bredesen commented on the issue, as well:

Gov. Phil Bredesen said the measure might lead to more meddling in roadway disputes.

“I would not think that the state legislature ought to be determining individual projects that are done,” he said. “If we start passing bills to build interchanges or build roads independently, I think we’re on a really bad course in terms any kind of an intelligent transportation strategy.”

The DNJ came close, but didn’t find all the details of this story. Read my update from last night’s related post to find out who else carried a bill that would have directly helped Barrett Firearms.