Economic Impact of Interstate Expansion
Economic Impact of Corridor Investment & Long-Run Transportation Efficiency
These reports summarize the economic benefits of upgrading the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in each state. They estimate construction-related investment, employment, economic output, GDP, personal income, and tax revenue, along with the long-term benefits of improved transportation efficiency.
The analyses were developed using economic modeling from Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI), a nationally recognized provider of economic forecasting and policy-analysis tools, and transportation data and research from North Dakota State University’s Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI). Each one-pager also identifies the industries expected to benefit most from corridor improvements.
The estimated cost per mile reflects current planning estimates for upgrading both existing two-lane highways and four-lane divided highways to Interstate standards. These base costs are then escalated by 3% annually over an assumed 25-year construction period to account for inflation. Actual costs will vary by segment based on existing highway configuration, structures, interchanges, right-of-way, utilities, environmental requirements, and urban conditions.
Economic Impact of Completing the Ports-to-Plains Interstate Corridor
Completing the Ports-to-Plains Corridor as a modern Interstate would strengthen the national transportation system while creating substantial economic benefits across Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.
The 2,049-mile corridor connects rural communities, agricultural and energy-producing regions, manufacturing centers, military and emergency-response assets, Interstate highways, international border crossings and major markets throughout North America. Investing in this corridor would improve safety, reduce transportation costs, strengthen supply chains and expand economic opportunity across the Great Plains.
A Transformational Construction Investment
Upgrading the nine-state corridor to Interstate standards represents an estimated $75.46 billion construction investment. The analysis projects that this investment would generate:
- $175.81 billion in total economic output
- Nearly 863,000 jobs supported
- $97.82 billion in gross domestic product
- $76.01 billion in personal income
- $8.15 billion in state tax revenue
The employment benefits would extend well beyond highway construction. Approximately 425,000 direct jobs would be supported by construction activity, along with nearly 57,000 indirect jobs through suppliers and supporting industries and more than 381,000 induced jobs resulting from household spending.
These impacts demonstrate how transportation investment moves through the entire economy, supporting local businesses, workers, families and public services in every corridor state.
Economic Benefits Continue After Construction
The value of the corridor does not end when construction is complete. Improved transportation access, reduced travel time and lower vehicle operating costs would support sustained economic growth throughout the nine-state region.
By 2080, the completed corridor is projected to support annual gains of:
- 59,057 jobs above the baseline forecast
- 127,270 additional residents
- $36.67 billion in annual economic output
- Approximately $1.24 billion in annual state tax revenue
Over the 2055–2080 operating period, the nine states are projected to receive approximately $23.73 billion in cumulative state tax revenue.
Long-term employment gains would extend across health care, construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, retail trade, professional services, state and local government and other important sectors.
More Than an Economic Development Project
Completing the Ports-to-Plains Corridor would provide benefits that cannot be measured by construction spending alone.
A continuous Interstate-quality corridor would:
- Improve safety by separating opposing traffic and reducing conflict points
- Provide more reliable travel for families, workers and emergency responders
- Reduce freight travel time and vehicle operating costs
- Improve access to markets for agriculture, energy and manufacturing
- Strengthen connections among I-70, I-76, I-80, I-25, I-90 and I-94
- Improve access to border crossings and trade gateways with Mexico and Canada
- Provide an alternative north-south route during emergencies, closures and supply-chain disruptions
- Expand economic opportunities for rural and underserved communities
- Support national defense, energy security and transportation-system resilience
The corridor is both a regional economic engine and a nationally significant transportation asset.
From Designation to Delivery
Future Interstate designation established the national importance of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor. The next step is creating a coordinated pathway for planning, funding and construction.
The Ports-to-Plains Alliance supports federal action to:
- Authorize a multi-state feasibility study covering the corridor north of Texas and New Mexico.
- Complete Future Interstate designation and I-27 route numbering through Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana.
- Establish a predictable formula funding program for multi-state Future Interstate corridors.
- Support environmental review, preliminary engineering, right-of-way preservation and project development in every corridor state.
- Allow construction to proceed in practical phases, beginning with projects that address safety risks, congestion, freight bottlenecks and gaps between completed segments.
Competitive grants alone cannot provide the consistent, long-term funding required to complete a corridor of this scale. A dedicated formula program would allow states to coordinate investments, plan projects responsibly and maintain steady progress toward a connected Interstate system.
A National Investment with Lasting Returns
The Ports-to-Plains Corridor serves communities and industries that help feed, fuel and support the nation. Completing it would connect rural America more effectively to the Interstate Highway System and strengthen the movement of people, products and resources throughout North America.
The economic analysis shows that the benefits would be substantial during construction and continue growing for decades afterward. Now is the time for Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the nine corridor states to move the Ports-to-Plains Corridor from designation to delivery.
Understanding the Estimates
Construction costs are planning-level estimates for upgrading existing two-lane and four-lane highways to Interstate standards. Current cost estimates were increased by 3 percent annually over an assumed 25-year construction period. Actual costs will vary by segment based on existing highway configuration, structures, interchanges, right-of-way, utilities, environmental requirements and urban conditions.
The economic impacts were modeled using tools developed by Regional Economic Models, Inc., commonly known as REMI. REMI is a nationally recognized provider of economic forecasting and policy-analysis models.
Transportation research and supporting data were provided by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University. UGPTI conducts research on freight transportation, rural mobility, infrastructure, logistics and transportation economics.
Each State is summarized below.
Texas Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
The Texas REMI analysis examines three connected investment scenarios: the existing Ports-to-Plains Corridor, the proposed I 27 South extension to the Rio Grande Valley, and the entire corridor created by combining both routes. Together, the one-pagers demonstrate how completing Future I 27 would strengthen freight mobility, improve access to border crossings and international markets, connect rural and urban communities, and support long-term economic growth across Texas.
Existing Texas Corridor
The existing corridor analysis evaluates the economic benefits of upgrading the established Ports-to-Plains route through West Texas to Interstate standards. Improvements would strengthen connections among agricultural, energy, manufacturing, defense, and logistics centers while reducing transportation costs and improving access to regional and national markets.
I‑27 South Extension
The I‑27 South analysis evaluates extending the corridor from its existing alignment to Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. The extension would improve connections to major ports of entry, I‑69, Gulf Coast facilities, energy-producing regions, and rapidly growing border communities. It would also provide a more direct north–south route for domestic and international freight.
Entire Texas Corridor
The combined Texas corridor would extend approximately 920 miles and represent an estimated investment of about $42.09 billion. Construction would support approximately 510,288 jobs, generate $99.33 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $55.18 billion to gross domestic product, and produce approximately $3.92 billion in state tax revenue.
Once completed, improved transportation efficiency is projected to increase annual economic output from $6.55 billion in 2055 to $23.51 billion by 2080. Employment gains are projected to reach 34,323 sustained jobs, while Texas’s population could increase by approximately 82,270 residents above the baseline by 2080. Cumulative state tax revenue is projected to reach $12.28 billion over the 2055–2080 analysis period.
Colorado
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Upgrading the 235-mile Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Colorado to Interstate standards would generate substantial short- and long-term economic benefits. Based on a preliminary planning estimate of $56.7 million per mile, corridor construction represents an estimated $13.32 billion investment. The construction phase would support approximately 150,062 jobs, generate $34.94 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $19.67 billion to gross domestic product, and produce an estimated $1.66 billion in state tax revenue.
The completed corridor would continue delivering benefits long after construction ends by improving transportation access, lowering travel and freight costs, and strengthening connections between Colorado businesses, communities, and national markets. Annual economic output attributable to improved transportation efficiency is projected to grow from $3.38 billion in 2055 to $7.63 billion by 2080. Employment gains are expected to reach 14,281 sustained jobs, while Colorado’s population could increase by approximately 24,810 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Over the 2055–2080 analysis period, the corridor is projected to generate approximately $6.34 billion in cumulative state tax revenue. These long-term benefits would extend across a broad range of industries, including health care, state and local government, construction, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, professional services, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Montana
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Upgrading approximately 85 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Montana to Interstate standards would generate significant construction and long-term economic benefits. The estimated $2.14 billion investment would support approximately 25,250 jobs, generate $5.28 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $2.93 billion to gross domestic product, and produce approximately $366.1 million in state tax revenue during the construction phase.
Following construction, improved transportation access and lower travel and freight costs would strengthen connections among Montana’s businesses, communities, and national markets. Although economic output is projected to decline by approximately $80 million in 2055 as early adjustment costs outweigh initial gains, the benefits turn positive over time. Annual economic output is projected to reach $206 million by 2070 and $315 million by 2080. Montana is also projected to gain 342 sustained jobs and approximately 1,592 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Over the 2055–2080 analysis period, transportation-efficiency improvements are projected to generate approximately $146 million in cumulative state tax revenue. Long-term employment benefits would extend across industries including state and local government, retail trade, health care, manufacturing, real estate, construction, hospitality, finance, and other services.
Nebraska
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Upgrading approximately 221 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Nebraska to Interstate standards would generate substantial construction and long-term economic benefits. The estimated $3.38 billion investment would support approximately 29,165 jobs, generate $5.82 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $3.21 billion to gross domestic product, and produce approximately $255.4 million in state tax revenue during the construction phase.
Once completed, the corridor would improve transportation access, reduce travel and freight costs, and strengthen Nebraska’s connections to regional and national markets. Annual economic output attributable to improved transportation efficiency is projected to increase from $908 million in 2055 to $1.96 billion by 2080. Employment is projected to reach 3,433 sustained jobs in 2080 after peaking at 3,441 jobs in 2076. Nebraska’s population is projected to be approximately 5,954 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Over the 2055–2080 analysis period, transportation-efficiency improvements are projected to generate approximately $1.02 billion in cumulative state tax revenue. Long-term employment benefits would extend across health care, government, professional services, retail, construction, hospitality, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, real estate, finance, and other industries.
New Mexico
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Upgrading approximately 92 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in New Mexico to Interstate standards would generate significant construction and long-term economic benefits. The estimated $3.64 billion investment would support approximately 39,624 jobs, generate $7.91 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $4.40 billion to gross domestic product, and produce approximately $585.5 million in state tax revenue during the construction phase.
Once completed, the corridor would improve transportation access, lower travel and freight costs, and strengthen connections among New Mexico communities, businesses, border crossings, and regional and national markets. Annual economic output attributable to improved transportation efficiency is projected to increase from $87 million in 2055 to $311 million by 2080. Employment is projected to reach 806 sustained jobs in 2080 after peaking at 814 jobs in 2076. New Mexico’s population is projected to be approximately 2,510 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Over the 2055–2080 analysis period, transportation-efficiency improvements are projected to generate approximately $360.9 million in cumulative state tax revenue. Long-term employment benefits would extend across health care, retail, government, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, construction, finance, hospitality, real estate, and professional services.
North Dakota
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Upgrading approximately 197 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in North Dakota to Interstate standards represents an estimated investment of approximately $3.25 billion. The construction phase would support about 30,113 jobs, generate $7.51 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $4.12 billion to gross domestic product, and produce approximately $591.7 million in state tax revenue.
Once completed, the corridor would improve transportation access, reduce travel and freight costs, and strengthen North Dakota’s connections to regional, national, and international markets. Annual economic output attributable to improved transportation efficiency is projected to increase from $455 million in 2055 to $822 million by 2080. Employment is projected to reach 1,765 sustained jobs in 2080 after peaking at 1,792 jobs in 2073. North Dakota’s population is projected to be approximately 2,733 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Over the 2055–2080 analysis period, transportation-efficiency improvements are projected to generate approximately $1.20 billion in cumulative state tax revenue. Long-term employment benefits would extend across health care, hospitality, government, professional services, construction, real estate, retail, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, finance, and other industries.
Oklahoma
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Upgrading approximately 34 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Oklahoma to Interstate standards represents an estimated investment of $1.16 billion. The construction phase would support approximately 12,969 jobs, generate $2.13 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $1.17 billion to gross domestic product, and produce approximately $116.7 million in state tax revenue.
Once completed, the corridor would improve transportation access, lower travel and freight costs, and strengthen Oklahoma’s connections to regional and national markets. Annual economic output attributable to improved transportation efficiency is projected to increase from $225 million in 2055 to $379 million by 2080. Employment is projected to reach 842 sustained jobs in 2080 after peaking at 852 jobs in 2071. Oklahoma’s population is projected to be approximately 1,348 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Over the 2055–2080 analysis period, transportation-efficiency improvements are projected to generate approximately $873.1 million in cumulative state tax revenue. Long-term employment benefits would extend across construction, professional services, health care, government, hospitality, retail, transportation and warehousing, real estate, manufacturing, finance, and other industries.
South Dakota
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Upgrading approximately 195 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in South Dakota to Interstate standards represents an estimated investment of approximately $5.58 billion. The construction phase would support about 60,517 jobs, generate $11.71 billion in statewide economic output, contribute $6.48 billion to gross domestic product, and produce approximately $576.1 million in state tax revenue.
Once completed, the corridor would improve transportation access, reduce travel and freight costs, and strengthen South Dakota’s connections to regional and national markets. Annual economic output attributable to improved transportation efficiency is projected to increase from $708 million in 2055 to $1.35 billion by 2080. Employment is projected to reach 2,895 sustained jobs in 2080 after peaking at 2,952 jobs in 2073. South Dakota’s population is projected to be approximately 5,218 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Over the 2055–2080 analysis period, transportation-efficiency improvements are projected to generate approximately $1.26 billion in cumulative state tax revenue. Long-term employment benefits would extend across health care, hospitality, construction, government, real estate, manufacturing, professional services, transportation and warehousing, retail, finance, and other industries.
Wyoming
Expanded Interstate Economic Impact
Long-term benefits would extend across health care, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, construction, government, finance, hospitality, retail, real estate, professional services, and other industries.
Upgrading approximately 70 miles of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor in Wyoming to Interstate standards represents an estimated investment of approximately $854 million. The construction phase would support about 4,994 jobs, generate $1.19 billion in statewide economic output, contribute approximately $647.7 million to gross domestic product, and produce about $82.4 million in state tax revenue.
Once completed, the corridor would improve transportation access, lower travel and freight costs, and strengthen Wyoming’s connections to regional and national markets. Annual economic output attributable to improved transportation efficiency is projected to increase from $16 million in 2055 to $389 million by 2080. Employment is projected to reach 370 sustained jobs in 2080 after peaking at 371 jobs in 2079. Wyoming’s population is projected to be approximately 835 residents above the baseline by 2080.
Through 2080, transportation-efficiency improvements are projected to generate approximately $246.5 million in cumulative state tax revenue.
Long-term employment benefits would extend across finance and insurance, government, hospitality, retail, health care, real estate, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and other industries.
Congressional Support & Advocacy
The Ports-to-Plains Corridor benefits from broad, bipartisan support among U.S. Senators and Representatives across the nine corridor states, including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. The Alliance works collaboratively with members of both parties to advance shared priorities, including legislation such as the Future Interstate Formula Funding, Interstate Feasibility Study, and Designation and Route Number for Future I-27. Strong, multi-state congressional delegation co-sponsorship is essential to building momentum, signaling national importance, and moving corridor legislation and funding from proposal to enactment.
Support the Future Interstate
Advance the Future Interstate Corridor by urging your state and federal legislators to support state implementation measures, and dedicated funding that turns designation into construction and delivers national-interest infrastructure for the Heartland.
Join Our Coalition Today
The success of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor depends on the commitment of its members. Join us in advocating for this vital infrastructure project that supports national security, energy independence, and the prosperity of the American Heartland.