June 2025 Vol 23 Issue 6 - Ports to Plains

June 2025 Volume 23 Issue 6

We are a voice for our small town, grassroots members who may otherwise not have access to the right audiences, as well as a conduit for industry to come together in support and promotion of transportation improvements.

We are committed to working as an Alliance to improve transportation infrastructure and business networks opportunities, by advocating for appropriate funding levels, so business and industry can thrive.

We are focused on the economic and business interests that are the lifeblood of the region.

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PRESIDENT'S CORNER

In 1971, a western movie titled “Something Big” came out starring Dean Martin whose character, named Baker, was a leader of a New Mexico territory gang and Brian Keith played an old horse cavalry colonel. Martin’s eclectic gang included his future brother-in-law, Tommy, who played bagpipes and a Scottie dog that rode in a saddle bag. All through the movie Baker and his gang are holding up stagecoaches looking for a female that they can use to barter with in order to acquire something big. As it turns out, that something big is a gatling gun that they need for their something big last raid. After they inadvertently take the colonel’s wife who is coming from the east to accompany her husband home in retirement, the whole plan starts to go south fast. All through the movie reports keep coming into the fort talking about Baker planning “something big.” In the end it all plays out in a comical way, and everyone ends up on a happy note.

Well, we have “Something Big” going on our P2P corridors and I would like to share it with you today. In September 2026, the Federal Surface Transportation Bill will come up for reauthorization. This federal program is the mechanism that brings your federal gas tax dollars back to the states. Usually, it comes back with a lot of directions on how the funding is going to be spent. Most of the distributions are formula driven such as safety, infrastructure preservation, and bridges which we completely support. Some of the federal spending is discretionary and can at times lack focus. Because of that lack of focus those funds don’t always end up in the best places. But we think the time is right for a renewed focus on the next generation of a national interstate system. The last Interstate Highway Bill was signed by LBJ in 1968 and by 1992 the interstate that was funded from that bill was completed. The Federal Surface Transportation Bill of 1991 (ISTEA) created what was back then supposed to be the next generation of interstates. They called them High Priority Corridors, twenty-one of them in 1991. Our Heartland Expressway was number 14 on that list. By 1998, and the next Federal Surface Transportation Bill (TEA-21), there were eighty HPCs with our Ports-to-Plains Corridor coming in at number 38. Later, the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway came in at 58. With these high priority corridors came a National Highway System that included HPCs, existing interstates, and highways that connect to major military installations and are part of the military highway system known as STRAHNET. Here is the problem, however. For the last thirty-four years, we have not had a strategic plan that prioritized and funded these high priority corridors to the next generation of interstates.

The solution is a future interstate highway bill that identifies and funds the next generation of interstates that will meet the criteria that were laid out for interstates to begin with. Some of these criteria include promoting economic growth, improving trip travel times while at the same time enhancing safety. The focus would be on multi-state corridors which would enable trade and movement of commerce within the United States as well as between Canada and Mexico. And of course, the creation of our interstate system supports our military objectives both at home and abroad. We would, however, need to include new interstate criteria, a next generation of ideas like smart highways, autonomous vehicles, new transportation modes such as VTOL (drone) technologies plus enhancements in road building materials that will support the new ways people and freight travel while at the same time protecting our environment. We also have to be flexible enough to understand that there will be new technologies to apply to our interstate since a build-out realistically will take another 25 years.

There are currently future multi-state interstate designations in twenty-three states today. For us, this includes our Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Texas and New Mexico. A future interstate highway bill would go a long way towards putting our country on a path to greatness and sustainability for our grandchildren and future generations to come. We think this could be “Something Big”. Next month I will talk about those high priority corridors that are not designated future interstate today but may need to be considered in the overall national strategic plan.

more to come …

Lauren D. Garduño

FY2026 Congressionally Designated Spending and Community Funding Projects Submitted

Following the FY2025 Appropriations bills’ failure to move through Congress, the Ports-to-Plains Alliance again reached out to members of Congress to consider FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending in the U.S. Senate and Community Funding Projects in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the first step in the process. The following nine projects, totaling requests of $36,840,000, were submitted by members of Congress. These requests first go to either the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies or U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies. If the requests are included in the bills created by the Subcommittees, they go to the full U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. Once again, if included they would then go to the full U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives as part of the FY2026 Appropriations bill.

Interstate Planning Funds for City Location Study at Raton

This project was submitted by Senator Martin Heinrich (NM), Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM); and Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3).

Recipient: City of Raton, New Mexico

Address: 224 Savage Avenue, Raton, New Mexico 87740

Amount Requested: $1,600,000

Project Description: This planning project supported by New Mexico Department of Transportation assists New Mexico in completing a City Location Study at Raton. Determining the alignment between US 87 (Future Interstate 27) and Interstate 25 will allow the city to begin developing that area. Following the designation of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in New Mexico as a Future Interstate in the FY2022 Appropriations legislation, the project would initiate interstate highway planning on U.S. 87 / U.S. 64, specifically along the I-27 / I-25 interchange in Raton. These planning funds would be used for Project Definition, Phase A: Alternative Identification and Screening, Phase B: Detailed Alternative Analysis, Phase C: Environmental Documentation, and Preliminary Design. By enhancing transportation routes, the project facilitates trade, commerce, and regional connectivity, bolstering economic development across various sectors. Recently, it was announced that the Department of Defense has designated the Ports-to-Plains route coming through Raton to move defense equipment quickly from Fort Carson in Colorado to Port Arthur in Texas, making it a critical infrastructure project for the Country.

Chadron North to Nebraska/ South Dakota State Line

This project was submitted by Senator Deb Fisher (NE).

Recipient Name: Nebraska Department of Transportation

Project Location: Dawes County, NE

Amount Requested: $6,000,000

Project Description: Add safety enhancements to the Heartland Expressway

SH 71 Corridor Improvements Project (Heartland Expressway)

This project was submitted by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-4).

Recipient Name: Colorado Department of Transportation

Project Location: Transportation corridor stretching from south of Limon to the Nebraska state line along CO 71, encompassing the counties of Lincoln, Morgan, Weld, and Washington.

Amount Requested: $5,000,000

Project Description: The SH 71 Corridor Improvements projects is included in the CDOT 10-year plan, Weld County in CDOT Region 4, eastern Colorado, extending along the Heartland Expressway (CO 71) from the Colorado –Nebraska state line to CO 14, covering approximately 27.5 miles. CDOT will determine the specific location within this segment. This project includes reconstruction of corridor, shoulder widening, safety, operational, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components as descried by CDOT in the Fact Sheet for the SH 71 Corridor Improvements in the 10-year Plan. The CDOT 10-year Vision Annual Report dated November 2024 shows the Total Project Cost of $200,000,000 with Transportation Commission Strategic Funding of $4.8M during FY19-22. No Transportation Commission Approved Strategic Funding for FY 23-26 was allocated. $14.3M is Planned Funding for FY 27+.

The project would provide improvements to SH 71 on the Heartland Expressway High Priority Corridor #14 north of Limon. Improvements for this corridor are included in the 10-Year Vision of the Colorado Department of Transportation and the matching state funding is proposed by CDOT Region 4 from RPP. This project includes reconstruction of corridor, shoulder widening, safety, operational, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components as described by CDOT in the Fact Sheet for the SH 71 Corridor Improvements in the 10-year Plan. Benefits from improvements to SH 71 include diversion of trucks from I-25 as described in the Colorado Highway 71 Truck Freight Diversion Feasibility Study published by CDOT Region 4 in May 2020 and provides increased mobility and traveler safety by minimizing unsafe passing maneuvers. Due to funding, the SH 71 Corridor Improvements project was scheduled in years 5-10 of CDOT’s 10-Year Vision.

SL 335 - Upgrade to Freeway - Amarillo from West of FM 2590 to (South) to FM 2186 (TxDOT Project ID 2494-02-011)

These projects were submitted by Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13).

Project Recipient: Texas Department of Transportation

Project Location: Amarillo, Texas

Amount Requested: $4,000,000

Purpose of Project: The funding for this project will be used to provide critical upgrades for SL 335 between Amarillo West of FM 2590 to South of FM 2186 (TxDOT Project ID 02494-02-01). The TxDOT Amarillo District and the Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization have identified SL 335 as a top priority transportation project candidate, and this project will allow for the upgrade of the entire loop to a controlled-access roadway consisting of main lanes, ramps, one-way frontage roads with bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, and four multi-level interchanges—helping to increase the safety of the residents and pedestrians of the City of Amarillo.

Interstate Planning Funds for City Location Study at Dumas

This project was submitted by Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13).

Project Recipient: Texas Department of Transportation

Project Location: Dumas, Texas

Amount Requested: $3,200,000

Purpose of Project: The funding for this project will be used to initiate a City Location Study as recommended by the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study Final Report, which will be used to determine the alignment connecting the City of Dumas and US 87. The development of US 287 is projected to take 30 years to plan and construct, however; once completed, it will provide major economic benefits to the region. Initiating this planning will help ensure each segment of I-27 remains on track.

Study of Lamesa Operational Improvements / Interstate Upgrade Option

These projects were submitted by Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19).

Project Recipient: City of Lamesa. Texas (Lamesa Economic Development Corporation)

Project Location: Lamesa, TX

Amount Requested: $640,000

Project Description: On the future I-27 corridor, a key location occurs at the city of Lamesa where future I-27E follows US 87 to Big Spring and future I-27W follows SH 349 to Midland/Odessa. A relief route study was completed in early 2010 but was not selected going forward. With the future I-27 designation in place, a new study will be required. However, in the meantime, there is an opportunity to improve the existing traffic flow on US 87 through Lamesa by converting two 2-lane roads through town including existing US 87 and Bus 87 (Dallas Ave) into two one-way pairs. The funding will be used to complete the planning for the existing US-87 through the City of Lamesa to a One-Way pair. This funding is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will facilitate the flow of traffic in Lamesa, Texas, and prepare the highways and the community for future development of the newly-designated I-27 highway.

Operational Improvements Lamesa One-Way

This project was submitted by Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19).

Project Recipient: Texas Department of Transportation

Project Location: Lamesa, Texas

Amount Requested: $10,000,000

Project Description: On the future 1-27 corridor, a key location occurs at the city of Lamesa where future l-27E follows US 87 to Big Spring and future l-27W follows SH 349 to Midland/Odessa. A relief route study was completed in early 2010 but was not selected going forward. With the future 1-27 designation in place, a new study will be required. However, in the meantime, there is an opportunity to improve the existing traffic flow on US 87 through Lamesa by converting two 2- lane roads through town including existing US 87 and Bus 87 through Lamesa into two one-way pairs. This funding is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will facilitate the flow of traffic in Lamesa, Texas, and prepare the highways and the community for future development of the newly-designated I-27 highway.

Future Interstate Planning between San Angelo and Sonora

This project was submitted by Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

Proposed Recipient: Texas Department of Transportation

Project Location: Counties of Tom Green, Schleicher, and Sutton

Request Amount: $6,400,000

Project Description: This funding will advance schematic design, environmental review, and planning work for the proposed I-27 segment between San Angelo and Sonora. These activities are critical for inclusion in the Texas Unified Transportation Plan and regional economic development.

Federal Proposals for the 2026 Transportation Reauthorization

Congress is preparing to draft a new transportation reauthorization bill, with the current Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) set to expire on September 30, 2026. The Ports-to-Plains Alliance has submitted three federal proposals in response to formal requests from the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-3).

SHOWING SUPPORT FOR EACH OF THESE PROPOSALS
THROUGH RESOLUTIONS IS CRITICAL.

MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON PORTSTOPLAINS.COM

Federal Proposals for Transportation Reauthorization

Multi-State Future Interstate Highway Formula Program

Future Interstate Feasibility Study

Future Interstate Designation and Route Numbering

1. Multi-State Future Interstate Highway Formula Program

Objective: Establish a dedicated federal funding formula for the development of multi-state, congressionally designated Future Interstate Highways.

Why It Matters:

Connects underserved rural regions to national and international markets.
Enhances trade and freight efficiency across North America.
Supports economic growth, national defense (STRAHNET), and transportation modernization.
Provides guaranteed federal support not tied to traditional Highway Trust Fund return rates.

Proposal Highlights:

Formula based on unconstructed multi-state Future Interstate mileage per state.
Funding would be flexible for each State DOT to prioritize annually.
Excludes funds from Rate of Return calculations.

Action:

Download and Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Proposal
Email executed resolutions to: joe.kiely@portstoplains.com

Whether you are a City, County, Chamber, or Economic Development Corporation, please ask your leadership to consider and approve this resolution. Once approved please send the executed Resolution to Joe Kiely, Vice President of Operations at joe.kiely@portstoplains.com.

Communities, chambers, counties, MPOs, and transportation coalitions across the country are uniting to call for a dedicated funding mechanism to complete these vital corridors. Let’s build what’s next—with the same boldness that built the Interstate System 70 years ago.

2. Future Interstate Feasibility Study

Corridors Covered:

Heartland Expressway
Theodore Roosevelt Expressway
Undesignated segments of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor
States Involved: OK, CO, NE, WY, SD, ND, MT

Why It Matters:

Provides data to evaluate economic, freight, connectivity, and safety impacts.
Aligns all seven states with a unified, actionable strategy.
Enables route designation and numbering (e.g., I-27).
Prevents fragmented, incompatible individual state studies.

Precedent:

The 2020 Texas Ports-to-Plains Feasibility Study transformed TxDOT’s view, resulting in official designation.

Action:

Adopt a Resolution Supporting the Feasibility Study
Email executed resolutions to: joe.kiely@portstoplains.com

Let’s Build What’s Next
Seventy years ago, bold leadership built the original Interstate System. Today, it’s time to complete it—uniting trade, safety, and opportunity across America’s Heartland.

3. Future Interstate Designation and Route Numbering

Goal: Congressional designation of the remaining corridors and formal assignment of a continuous Interstate route number (e.g., I-27).

Why It Matters:

Ensures corridor completion across seven states.
Makes corridor eligible for proposed federal formula funding.
Attracts investment and logistics interest.
Connects key Interstate routes: I-27, I-25, I-70, I-76, I-80, I-90, I-94.

Corridor Impacts:

Supports $9.5B in crop production and $24.8B in livestock production.
Serves top oil-producing states and $192B in tourism activity.
Facilitates $50.7B in exports to Canada and $141.7B to Mexico.

Action:

Adopt a Resolution Supporting Designation and Numbering
Email executed resolutions to: joe.kiely@portstoplains.com

Let’s Build What’s Next: Seventy years ago, bold leadership created the Interstate System. It’s time to finish what they started—by connecting America’s Heartland with modern, safe, and economically vital infrastructure.

Upcoming Meetings

2025 Ports-to-Plains Alliance Conference

Save the Date: September 30-October 2, 2025, Lubbock, Texas

Theme: Interstate Advantage: Driving Trade across North America

Registration Costs: $125-Alliance Members; $150 Non-Members; Students $75; Significant Other $75 (Meals only)

Lodging: Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Ln, Lubbock, TX 79401

Double Queen @ $142 per night

King Room @ $142 per night

Book Online with the Direct Booking Link or by phone with Overton's reservations office by calling 806.776.7000.

**Specify the block name of: “Ports to Plains Annual Conference 2025”
*

*When you click the link it will take you to the group reservations page. It will automatically put the check in as and check-out date as the two peak nights available in the block (9/30 & 10/1); you will have to adjust the check-in and check-out dates to your desired stay and click UPDATE. Nights for 9/29, 9/30, 10/1 & 10/2 are available in the block.

Agenda Topics

Advantages of Future Interstate Formula Funding
Measuring the Advantage through a Future Interstate Highway Feasibility Study
Project Development Process (Role of Advocacy)

Resiliency
Trade

Networking Highlights