Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC— Today, President Biden signed legislation into law designating the Texas and New Mexico portions of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as a future interstate. Establishing a four-lane, federal highway from West Texas into the Heartland is critical to enhancing America’s agriculture and energy dominance. 

“Establishing a four-lane, federal highway for I-27 is a game-changer for our economy and quality of life in West Texas for decades to come and will strengthen our food security and energy independence for the entire country.  I had three big goals for a better and stronger West Texas when I took office in 2016 - get cotton back in the farm bill, secure the B-21 bomber at Dyess, and establish a federal highway for West Texas.  I had a lot of help from colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I’m humbled by the opportunities this will provide for generations of West Texans.”– Rep. Jodey C. Arrington (TX-19)

“I am very excited that the I-27 highway expansion project is now written into law with the passage of the FY22 omnibus appropriations bill. This designation will make Texas and New Mexico eligible for increased federal funding to complete the I-27 highway expansion project, creating economic growth, jobs, trade opportunities across those two states. The I-27 expansion will grow the Texas GDP by $17.2 billion and create 178,000 construction jobs. It will also add 17,000 long-term employment opportunities in the new I-27 corridor. With this project, Laredo will also become the only port of entry that has three corridors:  I-35, I-69, I-27—a boon for our trade economy. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund projects in south Texas that bring good-paying jobs and ease quality of life for my constituents.” – Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28)

“The impact of this designation is tremendous as it allows for the enhancement of infrastructure for domestic and international markets, creates safer roads for leisure and business travels, and connects underrepresented communities throughout the Corridor with outside markets. We would not be celebrating this historic moment without the support of Congressman Arrington and Cuellar, as well as our team of advocates at Hance Scarborough. We are grateful for their leadership and support of this project.” – Ports-to-Plains Alliance Chairman John Osborne

“The Ports to Plains Regional effort has been ongoing for decades, and today the interstate designation for I-27 has finally been signed into law. Thank you to Congressman Jodey Arrington for his leadership on this project. This momentous achievement is due to the unwavering support from leaders like Randy Neugebauer and Robert Duncan. This designation will ultimately improve necessary infrastructure and increase safety in Texas for commerce and visitors. This is a huge local, regional, and state-wide win.” – Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope 

Background:

• The interstate is aimed at reducing congestion on I-35 and will provide another important trade route through West Texas.
• The passage of the I-27 designation is a critical step in highway expansion that will increase Texas Gross Domestic Product by $55.6 billion in the first 20 years.
• The expansion of the I-27 corridor is critical to linking the energy and agricultural industries to state, national, and international trade, and it will result in $690 million per year in travel cost savings outside of the corridor.

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