Laredo, TX—Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement after introducing The Ports-to-Plains Highway Act of 2020. This legislation will be a critical step in highway expansion that is projected to increase Texas GDP $55.6 billion in the first 20 years:

“As the representative for the country’s busiest port of entry, I understand the importance of federal investments in transportation infrastructure, which support cross-border trade,” said U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28). “The I-27 corridor extension will benefit South Texas businesses and strengthen the U.S. economy by establishing new trade routes for agriculture and energy industries. I am committed to investing in our country’s infrastructure to better facilitate international trade and reap the full economic benefits of the USMCA. I want to thank Representatives Arrington, Lujan, Granger and Thornberry for their support on this initiative.”

“I’m very proud to be working across the aisle with my good friend and colleague, Rep. Henry Cuellar, on this important legislation,” said U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19). “With a stronger farm bill, a new and improved trade deal with Canada and Mexico, and one of the largest energy basins' in the world - establishing a four-lane, federal highway from West Texas through the Heartland is critical to enhancing America's agriculture and energy dominance. However you want to measure it - new jobs, economic growth, reductions in traffic and accidents - the return on investment for the Ports-to-Plains highway project is tremendous, not only for Texas, but for the entire country."

“Texas is a primary hub of transportation for the country, and the continued development of the Ports to Plains Corridor will provide more critical infrastructure in our community.  By extending I-27, we will boost our economy, improve supply chains, and bring more Americans safely across the state.  This important infrastructure will play a great role in supporting district 13, and our nation,” said U.S. Representative Mac Thornberry (TX-13).

“Laredo is the largest inland port, and the second largest port in the country overall. International trade is what keeps everyday goods like food, clothing, appliances, cars and technology affordable for American families. The Ports-to-Plains Corridor will open up new trade routes along with new business opportunities for many communities.   This will be a blessing for Texas and our trading partners. I especially want to thank Reps. Jodey Arrington (TX), Henry Cuellar (TX), Ben Lujan (NM) and Mac Thornberry (TX) for their help to push this bill forward,” said City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz.

“Given Webb County’s strategic location it is extremely important to Webb County to see Segment 3 fully developed so that there is safety, redundancy in the highway system and the ever expanding transportation needs of international trade, the oil and gas industry and agriculture are met,” said Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina

“The findings from TxDOT’s feasibility study further solidify the need for this extension,” said John Osborne, chairman for the Ports-to-Plains Alliance. “The enormous benefits for Texas’ economy and the safety of our travelers leave no question as to whether or not the extension is needed,” said Chairman of Ports-to-Plains Alliance and  President/CEO of Lubbock Economic Development Alliance John Osborne.

To read more about the economic impact of Interstate 27 designation, click here.