Senate Passage of Bill Ports-to-Plains Corridor “I-27,” Heads to President’s Desk to Become Law

Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) celebrated Senate passage of his bipartisan legislation to rename the interstate-designated segments of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to “I-27.” The passage of this bill marks an important step in the project that connects the ports of South Texas to the plains of West Texas and beyond, stimulating substantial economic growth and providing a competitive edge to producers and manufacturers throughout the region. 

The expansion of the I-27 corridor is critical to linking the energy and agricultural industries to state, national, and international trade, and it is estimated to grow Texas’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by over $55.6 billion in the first 20 years, create 178,600 construction jobs, and add 17,000 long-term employment opportunities.

“Our legislation to officially name the Ports-to-Plains Corridor ‘I-27’ is heading to the President’s desk to become law,” said Chairman Arrington. “The Ports-to-Plains Corridor is a critical tool for enhancing our nation’s agriculture and energy dominance and will be a boon to rural America and West Texas, bringing $50 billion to Texas over the next 20 years.”

Background: 

• In 2022, Chairman Arrington championed legislation that was signed into law to designate 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. 
• In December 2023, Congressman Arrington secured House passage of legislation to officially name the route segment “I-27.”
• This week, the Senate passed this legislation, and it now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.