Press Releases

BIG SPRING, TX – This week, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) spent the day in Big Spring, Texas, to visit with farmers and ranchers, veterans, and city officials and hosted a press conference on the Ports-to-Plains Corridor progress. 

Rep. Arrington started the day at the Howard County Farm Bureau to provide an update on Congress’ agriculture policy efforts and hear about the priorities and concerns of local farmers and ranchers. 

“I enjoyed spending time with the Howard County Farm Bureau members to discuss priorities for West Texas agriculture producers,” said Rep. Arrington. “Whether it’s new trade agreements or the next Farm Bill, we must prioritize the lifeblood of rural America and ensure prosperity for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.” 

Next, he visited with Big Spring veterans to discuss various issues on both the local and national levels.

“Today, I had the honor of meeting with local veterans in Big Spring. Texas’ Nineteenth District is home to more than 46,000 men and women who have served the United States in the Armed Forces. I’m proud to represent each of them in Congress and fight for our nation’s heroes,” Rep. Arrington said.

Rep. Arrington then met with city leaders to discuss Big Spring priorities. 

“It was a pleasure meeting with Big Spring Mayor Robert Moore, Howard County Judge Kathryn Wiseman, City Manager Todd Darden, Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Director Teresa Morris, and EDC Board Member and Vice President Jeff Ward today to talk about infrastructure, the VA hospital, and other important local issues,” said Rep. Arrington. 

Rep. Arrington finished the day by hosting a roundtable meeting and press conference on Ports-to-Plains – providing an overview of the project, a recap of what’s been accomplished, and a preview of what’s to come. 

“This is a game changer for West Texas with $55 billion in additional Gross Domestic Product, thousands of new jobs, and safer and more efficient transportation of people and product across the Lone Star State.” said Congressman Arrington. “I am grateful for the hard work and support from local leaders in Big Spring and beyond to ensure this vital investment for rural America that will strengthen the supply of food and fuel from the largest agriculture and energy production region in the United States.” 

He was joined at the press conference by Chairman of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance John Osborne, Judge Kathryn Wiseman, Jeff Ward, and Mayor Robert Moore.

“The recent interstate designation along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor is catalytic for economic development in rural communities like Big Spring,” said Osborne. “Not only will this attract national companies to invest in cities along the corridor, but this project offers significant opportunities for growth and jobs for citizens as well as safety benefits for travelers.”

“Big Spring, Howard County is excited to participate in the Ports-to-Plains Corridor created by the $1.5 trillion federal appropriation, designating the future Interstate 27 from Raton, New Mexico, through Big Spring and on to Laredo, Texas, which has arguably become our nation's largest Inland Port,” said Judge Wiseman. “This recently designated trade route is projected to open the Pacific Northwestern United States to high priority exchange of goods and services from Canada to Mexico.” 

“The Ports-to-Plains I-27 Corridor will play a magnificent role in advancing the economic growth in Big Spring and Howard County as well as the entire West Texas Region. The Ports Corridor designation alone has already generated significant interest in our area for commercial and industrial growth. In anticipation of this future growth, we have focused on improving specialized infrastructure and access in key areas that will lead to exponential opportunities for new industry wanting to locate in Big Spring,” Ward said. “We are excited and optimistic about the future development in Big Spring and Howard County, Texas, and we look forward to fostering the construction and implementation of HWY I-27.”

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