US Senator Ted Cruz Introduces Legislation to Name Ports-to-Plains Corridor

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced legislation (S.992) co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) to formally name the Ports-to-Plains Corridor “Interstate 27.” Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX) also introduced legislation in the House (H.R. 1821) on Tuesday, March 28.

“It’s monumental day for the Ports-to-Plains Alliance as we take the next steps in developing the future I-27,” said John Osborne, chairman of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance. “I’d like to express my appreciation to Senators Cruz, Cornyn and Luján, and Congressmen Arrington and Cuellar for introducing the legislation to move this project forward. By naming and numbering the interstate, the Ports-to-Plains Corridor will be critical infrastructure for the communities and industries utilizing the interstate throughout Texas and our heartland.”

This legislation follows the designation of Interstate-27 (I-27) in March 2022 when President Biden signed into law the Appropriations Bill (FY 2022). The designation recognized the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Texas and New Mexico including the segments connecting Lamesa, Midland and Sterling City and between Dumas, TX and the Texas-New Mexico state line as an addition to the Interstate Highway System.

“It’s an exciting day for the future of our interstate and I am thrilled to take the next steps to furthering this project to completion,” said Lauren Garduno, president of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance. “By naming and numbering the interstate, the Department of Transportation is able to add signage along the corridor. I appreciate the efforts of Senators Cruz, Cornyn and Luján, as well as Congressmen Arrington and Cuellar on the introduction of S.992 and H.R.1821, which are critical to the development of future Interstate-27.”