WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in introducing the Ports-to-Plains Highway Act, legislation that would designate a portion of the Ports-To-Plains Corridor as a future addition to the interstate highway system.
“Establishing the ports to plains corridor in the heartland of our nation would lift all American industries which rely on transportation and create good-paying jobs in the process,” said Senator Cramer. “It’s a common sense investment in rural America with plenty of opportunity for growth.”
“Designating the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as an interstate highway would benefit the entire state of Texas and our great nation. Thanks to the passage of the USMCA Trade agreement, trade between Mexico and Canada has increased substantially to the benefit of Texas farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, energy producers, and small businesses. I am pleased to join my colleagues to upgrade this critical infrastructure so that businesses that depend on this corridor for transit can cut costs and receive improved access to international trade,” said Senator Cruz.
“Establishing a Ports to Plains Corridor from Mexico through West Texas and into Canada will help Texas producers access new markets and enhance connectivity to the cites along its route. Texas already boasts the most exports of any state, and this will help Texas farmers, ranchers, and producers continue to expand their operations,” said Senator Cornyn.
The Ports-to-Plains Corridor aims to facilitate an additional key North-South route to bolster the transportation of goods and people. The Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has projected nationwide freight moved by trucks could increase by 44 percent from 2015 levels by 2045.
Read the full text of this legislation here.