Lubbock Times

Chairman Jodey Arrington of Texas's 19th district is celebrating the signing into law of his bipartisan legislation to rename the interstate-designated segments of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to “I-27.” This legislative milestone marks a significant advancement in the project aimed at linking the ports of South Texas to the plains of West Texas and beyond.

In a statement, Chairman Arrington expressed his enthusiasm for the potential impact of the I-27 Ports-to-Plains Corridor, stating, “The I-27 Ports-to-Plains Corridor will be a game-changer for West Texas and America’s Heartland.” He also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the legislation, saying, “I am proud to have led this important bipartisan legislation and thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their efforts.”

The legislation, initially introduced by Chairman Arrington in 2022, designated the portion of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from Laredo, Texas, through the Panhandle to Dumas, Texas, as a future interstate route, making it eligible for federal funding. The expansion of the I-27 corridor is expected to have far-reaching economic benefits, with projections indicating a potential growth of over $55.6 billion in Texas's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the first 20 years, along with the creation of numerous job opportunities.

The Ports-to-Plains Corridor “I-27” spans 2,300 miles from Mexico to Canada, traversing eight states in America’s Heartland. It serves as a crucial link for the energy and agricultural industries, facilitating trade at state, national, and international levels. Additionally, the corridor is seen as a vital connectivity and economic development pathway, connecting small towns and rural communities in the region to the broader economy.

Moreover, the development of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor is positioned as a cost-effective solution to alleviate congestion on highly traveled interstate highways, offering potential benefits in terms of improved safety, reduced transportation costs, and enhanced efficiency in the movement of goods and services.

With the renaming of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as “I-27” now enshrined in law, Chairman Jodey Arrington's legislative efforts have taken a significant step towards realizing the transformative potential of this vital transportation route.