Ports-to-Plains Alliance, based in Lubbock, Texas is a grassroots alliance of communities and businesses whose mission is to advocate for a robust international transportation infrastructure to promote economic security and prosperity throughout North America’s energy and agricultural heartland, including Mexico to Canada. The Alliance is a non-profit, bipartisan, advocacy group led by mayors, council persons and other local elected leaders, economic development officials, business and other opinion leaders from nine states – Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming. The expansion of upgrading the existing corridor to a four-lane divided highway or better which also includes extending Interstate 27 both north and south is the ultimate goal of the Alliance.
What role does THE 1-27 EXPANSION play in Texas Energy?
In regard to oil and gas production, the Permian Basin is the world’s largest petroleum producing region in the world, surpassing known resources in both the Middle East and Russia; in addition, Eagle Ford is one of the most profitable shale basins in the country. Based on the volume of resources and impact of the area, this region is disconnected to the national stage at a loss to the state.
The extension of Interstate 27 between Lubbock and Laredo will provide direct access into the heart of the oil and gas industry. This direct access will allow for more production and distribution of these resources. This extension is a crucial component as Texas leads the country in energy independence.
How does the extension improvement benefit all of Texas?
Along with the energy market, the extension of Interstate 27 connects food and fiber centers in Lubbock, Amarillo, and San Angelo, as well as smaller communities throughout the corridor. And, the project will spur economic development within the largest region of the state adding hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
In addition to the economic advantages, the extension of Interstate 27 will provide safe transportation for travelers by reducing fatality rates on the road by 268%, according to national data.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The Ports-to-Plains (I-27) corridor from Laredo to Denver was designated as a high-priority corridor on the National Highway System in 1998
- In 2015, a TxDOT initial assessment report on the I-27 corridor found it to be critical to linking the energy and agricultural sectors to state, national, and international trade
- The I-27 extension will provide the only major north-south corridor in Texas west of I-35, and it would intersect three major east-west routes: I-10, I-20, and I-40
