Current Focus

    This study is a joint effort by four state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) including Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The purpose is to create a Development and Management Plan for the Ports to Plains Corridor, which will outline a proposed plan for the corridor and serve as an essential tool for securing federal funding for corridor development.

    Through the final round of Public Meetings the following information was released regarding the study:

      CORRIDOR INFORMATION

      Included in the Study were the following categories:
      • 42 Expansion Construction Segments
      • 15 Relief Routes
      • 9 ITS Components
      The study set priority criteria for each category and then prioritized the segments within their categories.

      Priority      Criteria for Expansion Construction Segments

        1      Existing/Future Truck Traffic
        2      Accident History
        3      Pavement Condition
        4      Multi-Modal Connection
        5      System Connection
        6      Total Future Traffic
        7      Travel Time Savings
        8      Cost/Vehicle Mile
        9      Route Capacity

      Priority      Criteria for Relief Routes

        1      Future Truck Traffic
        2      Travel Time Savings
        3      Accident History
        4      System Connection
        5      Total Future Traffic
        6      Multi-Modal Connection
        7      Cost/Vehicle Mile

      Transportation Findings
      • By year 2030, it is estimated:
      • Approximately 12% Increase in vehicles above normal traffic growth
      • Improves regional transportation network
      • Over 3,200 hours per day of truck travel will be saved
      • Truck usage will increase 10% above normal truck usage growth
      • These findings are contingent upon the Corridor being four-laned and are in addition to the projected increases associated with natural growth on the existing roadways.

      Economic Benefits
      • Creating an Estimated 44,480 new jobs including 39,700 in Distribution and Manufacturing
      • Increased Incomes along the Corridor by over $4.5 billion
        Summary of Economic Benefits by Category
      • An Economic Cost Benefit Ratio of 3:1
      • These economic benefits are contingent upon the Corridor being four-laned and are in addition to the projected increases associated with natural growth on the existing roadways.

      Recommended ITS Projects
      • Improvements to Existing Systems
      • Improved Procedures by Government Agencies
      • New Agreements among Government Agencies
      • Projects funded by other Private/Public Organizations
      • Based on stakeholder outreach/input
      • Consistent with National ITS Architecture

      Recommendations of the ITS Plan
      • Automated truck inspections, fleet permitting and registrations
      • Reduced emergency response time
      • Traveler information
      • Weather
      • Construction
      • Other hazard notification
      • Reduce delays at traffic signals and improve safety
      • Agreements for sharing data among agencies

      For additional information on this this study go to its website:
      Ports-to-Plains Corridor Management Plan

    Future Focus

      2005 Workplan
ONGOING

ACCOMPLISHED
        Departments of Transportation
        Mission: Secure funding for Ports-to-Plains projects through the state departments of transportation.
        Actions: Status
        1. Implement Phase I of the 2004 Corridor Management Plan in the TEA 21 Reauthorization and FY 2006 appropriations.
        2. Expand the good working relationships with statewide, regional or local representatives at each state department of transportation.
        3. Support adequate funding for transportation at the federal and state levels.
        4. Develop and implement a plan of action for the use of additional Corridor Management funds appropriated in 2003.
        5. Assure Ports-to-Plains participation at key Department of Transportation meetings at the state and local level.

        Legislative Action
        Mission: Develop and implement a strategy that will position Ports-to-Plains to maximize funding opportunities in the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. The coalition must also work for increased funding opportunities at the state levels as well as in other federal appropriations.
        Actions: Status
        1. Work closely with Lobbyist on federal strategies.
        2. Hold first board meeting in Washington. Invite all Ports-to-Plains supporters to participate as we meet with our legislators.
        3. Organize Ports-to-Plains Caucus with assistance of Rep. Neugebauer.
        4. Improve the understanding of the federal legislative aides of the value of Ports-to-Plains and Federal High Priority Corridors.
        5. Cultivate team of influential volunteers who can be called upon at key times to advocate on behalf of Ports-to-Plains issues.
        6. Ensure that Ports-to-Plains is a top priority in legislative packages of coalition members.
        7. Participate in legislative activities of coalition members and other transportation supporters.
        8. Support high priority corridor designation of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway and final route designation of Heartland Express to complete designation of entire Great Plains International Trade Corridor.
        9. Explore the potential of expanding the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority to the Entire Great Plains Region.
        10. Explore opportunities to create identity of the corridor, including obtaining authority to install Ports-to-Plains highway signage.

        Membership
        Mission: Maintain and improve strong two-way communication with members to ensure that coalition is adequately meeting their needs and expectations, and members can effectively represent the coalition. Explore opportunities to grow membership where beneficial.
        Actions: Status
        1.Continual update of current and useful information in web site and newsletters.
        >
        2.Seek speaking opportunities at meetings and events throughout the corridor.
        3.Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to expand membership including corporate and individual members.
        4.Develop a comprehensive marketing plan.
        5.Implement a scheduled two-way communication system between membership and the Coalition that is implemented at least semi-annually with each member.
        6.Sponsor and participate in appropriate events in member communities.
        7.Provide adequate information for volunteers to represent the coalition at meetings and events.

        Trade Development
        Mission: Explore and promote opportunities for trade throughout the corridor.
        Actions: Status
        1. Develop and maintain strong relationships with Mexican and Canadian trade authorities.
        2. Develop partnerships with key intermodal centers located along the Corridor.
        3. Continue building relationships with and support for complimentary corridors.
        4. Continue efforts in developing the Great Plains International Trade Corridor.
        5. Explore opportunities to expand to the Pacific Northwest.
        6. Inform economic development officials, at the local and state level, about Ports-to-Plains activities. Offer active support and participation in their efforts to attract new industry to the corridor.
        7. Strengthen member understanding of the value and importance of the international border crossings.
        8. Improve understanding of economic development officials, at the local and state level, about Ports-to-Plains’ progress and potential.
        9. Explore and support efforts to expand rail capacity throughout the corridor.

        Marketing
        Mission: Promote awareness of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor among target audiences (transportation and logistics decision-makers, etc.)
        Actions: Status
        1.Prepare a marketing plan that will identify audiences and develop strategies to reach them.
        2.Contact officials of trucking and logistics firms.
        3.Contact traffic managers at major corporations.

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS

      Completed a feasibility study that determined the best route from Canada via Denver, CO north and utilizing 1-27 to the Mexican border

      Completed a Ports-to-Plains Strategy Session and formulated a strategic plan

      Developed a Ports-to-Plains Coalition that now has over 75 members from various cities, counties organizations, and businesses along the rout

      Obtained designations as a "High Priority Corridor" from the Federal government, enabling the route to compete for Federal funds

      Held five Ports-to-Plains Summits including: Amarillo - 1998, Lubbock - 1999; Lubbock - 2001; Acuna - 2002; Denver - 2003 and Laredo - 2004

      Received funding from TXDOT for a $1.5 million Ports-to-Plains Route Identification Study

      Included in Phase 1 of the Texas Trunk System

      Included the Ports-to-Plains route in the ODOT, CDOT, NMDOT and TXDOT Unified Transportation Plans

      Obtained membership in the TEX-21 Coalition

      Hired a Ports-to-Plains President and staff

      Obtained specific language designating the route at the Federal level

      Obtained an official, specific designation from TxDOT for the Ports-to-Plains route from Mexico to Denver

      Obtained 2 resolutions from CDOT supporting the Ports-to-Plains Corridor and specific route

      Completed marketing material for the Corridor, including published articles in trucking industry magazines, a video, newsletters, brochure, and website

      Obtained service agreement with Washington, D.C. consultant

      Obtained a combined $94.7 million in Federal Funding


Copyright © 2004, Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor Coalition