Lubbock Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington and Congressman Henry Cuellar celebrated the passage of their bipartisan legislation renaming the interstate-designated segments of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to “I-27”. The project aims to connect the ports of South Texas to the plains of West Texas and beyond, stimulating significant economic growth and providing a competitive edge to producers and manufacturers in the region.

Chairman Arrington, in a speech on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, highlighted the importance of transportation infrastructure for the future prosperity of Rural America. He expressed his pride in having his bipartisan bill passed out of the House, with the help of Congressman Cuellar, stating that the Ports to Plains Corridor is set to create thousands of jobs for West Texas and deliver a $50 billion economic impact over the next 20 years. He emphasized the significance of the project for West Texas and all Americans who rely on the nation's energy independence and food security.

John Osborne, chairman of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance, expressed his appreciation to Congressman Arrington for his support of the Ports-to-Plains initiatives, including the I-27 Numbering Act of 2023. Osborne praised Arrington's leadership and shared vision for the development of the corridor, stating that the bill's passage brings them one step closer to a prosperous and transformative future.

Senator Ted Cruz, who spearheaded the fight in the Senate, alongside Congressman Arrington and Congressman Cuellar, celebrated the passage of the critical legislation. He described it as an incredible step towards greater economic growth in Texas, emphasizing the creation of jobs across the Lone Star State.

Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, highlighted his previous efforts to designate the Ports to Plains Corridor as a future federal interstate route, unlocking funding for an expansion project. He expressed his satisfaction in the House officially designating the corridor as Interstate 27, stating that it will spur economic development and create good-paying jobs in trade, energy, and agriculture sectors.

The legislation builds upon the success of Arrington's previous legislation, signed into law in 2022, which designated a portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as a future Interstate route. This new legislation officially names the route segment as "Interstate 27." The bill will now proceed to the Senate for approval before reaching the president's desk.

The expansion of the I-27 corridor is crucial for linking the energy and agricultural industries to state, national, and international trade. It is estimated to grow Texas's GDP by over $55.6 billion in the first 20 years, create 178,600 construction jobs, and add 17,000 long-term employment opportunities.

This bipartisan effort to rename and develop the Ports-to-Plains Corridor demonstrates a commitment to strengthening infrastructure and promoting economic growth in Texas.

Click this link to access more information: https://arrington.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1122