Federal Policy
Securing the Future Interstate Corridor
The Ports-to-Plains Alliance leads a coordinated federal policy effort to advance the Future Interstate Corridor, building on the landmark 2022 federal Future Interstate designation that established the corridor’s national significance. That designation — authorized by Congress — serves as the foundation for today’s advocacy in Washington, D.C. Current federal priorities focus on securing sustainable funding mechanisms, advancing Interstate 27 route numbering, and ensuring full integration of the corridor into national transportation programs. Through consistent congressional advocacy, direct engagement with federal agencies, and coordination with multi-state partners, the Alliance works to convert federal designation into funded, deliverable projects that strengthen freight mobility, national trade, rural connectivity, and long-term economic competitiveness across the Heartland.
Key Federal Initiatives
The Ports-to-Plains Alliance is advancing three core federal initiatives critical to completing the Future Interstate Corridor:
1) Establishing of a Future Interstate Highway Formula Funding program.
2) Authorizing of a Future Interstate Feasibility Study for remaining segments.
3) Securing federal designation and Interstate route numbering for the remaining seven corridor states.
Each initiative builds on prior congressional action and requires continued engagement with Congress and USDOT.
Interstate Highway Formula Program
The Multi-State Future Interstate Highway Formula Program provides sustainable, nationally focused funding for corridors that serve interstate commerce and national interests, ensuring Future Interstate projects advance beyond limited state allocations and compete less with local priorities while enabling coordinated, multi-state delivery.
Interstate Feasibility Study
The Interstate Feasibility Study provides the technical, economic, and engineering analysis needed to advance Future Interstate segments, enabling data-driven decision-making, strengthening eligibility for federal funding, and supporting coordinated, multi-state investment beyond traditional state transportation allocations.
Federal Designation & Interstate Route Numbering
Securing federal designation and Interstate route numbering for Oklahoma, Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana is critical to completing the full Future Interstate Corridor. This action ensures corridor-wide continuity, strengthens eligibility for federal funding, supports consistent planning and signage, and enables long-term, multi-state investment across the entire national system.
Federal Reauthorization Policies
Ensuring the Ports-to-Plains Corridor is prioritized in the next comprehensive federal transportation reauthorization is essential to secure long-term funding, reinforce federal leadership on the National Highway System, and advance Future Interstate completion across all nine states, consistent with established national-interest policy goals.
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.