August 2025 Volume 23 Issue 8

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

September will mark my completion of three years at the helm of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance. As I look back and think about it, what we have accomplished these last three years looks quite impressive. Due to the hard work of your Alliance in Texas, over $3 billion is either under construction or programmed in the 10-year Unified Transportation Program (UTP), with another $7 billion in the department’s long-range plan (10 to 20 years). The importance of this last amount will become apparent if and when we are successful in securing a dedicated federal funding source to upgrade future interstate corridors. Also, with the power of our New Mexico congressional leaders, our corridor from Clayton to Raton is moving forward with planning funds to look at upgrading to interstate standards. Further north, again with the help of Nebraska congressional leadership, work is continuing to progress on the Heartland Expressway. Finally, North Dakota is on fire by funding further segments of the Theodore Roosevelt Expressway including some planning funds to complete the environmental assessment from IH 90 to the South Dakota state line.

In spite of all of this work, as I have traveled our corridors this summer setting the tables for our federal vision of a future interstate highway bill, I still get the question about how long it will take to complete. For over 25 years we have been punching away at completing these rural corridors to four-lane divided standards without a dedicated funding source. Every DOT from Texas to Montana has had to evaluate their infrastructure priorities in order to provide at least some measurable level of service for the traveling public. These rural corridors will not win in that equation.

Now we are talking about upgrading to interstate standards. “Lauren, if it took 25 years to complete 43% of our system to four-lane divided, how long will it take to make it interstate?” I am not going to lie to you, 25 to 30 years! And that is even with a dedicated source of funding. When the Federal Interstate Highway Act was passed in 1956, it took until 1992 to complete this national highway system. The completion of the IH 70 segment through Glenwood Canyon Colorado marked that event 36 years after the funding bill passed. The difference that dedicated funding gives us, however, is that after 25 years you will have a completed interstate system and not half a corridor at four-lane divided standards.

So now, when I look at my three-year tenure on this job, I realize that I have only just begun. I would remind everyone that we are working for a better tomorrow for our children, grandchildren and maybe for our great-grandchildren. As I close this newsletter, I want to thank all of the communities along our corridors for passing the three resolutions we have shared with you. A shout out to Gering Nebraska who passed all three unanimously on Monday as I listened in. And I want to thank all of those communities who will take up our three resolutions soon. Armed with these passed resolutions, we will take our advocacy efforts to D.C. this fall and next spring and accomplish “Something Big.”

By the way, we have a great annual conference planned this year in Lubbock Texas, hometown of Buddy Holly and the Crickets. Ask the Beatles how they settled on their band name! It is the last day of September and first two days of October. Everyone is invited, but don’t wait too long. I have included the link here:

Link to Conference Website: https://www.portstoplains.com/conference/2025-annual-conference/

Includes Conference Registration (no Cost for DOT) and Lodging Info

more to come …

Lauren D. Garduño

Advocate for Three Federal Transportation Proposals

The Ports-to-Plains Alliance has a unique opportunity to do Something Big for our corridor — strengthening the path to funding, construction, and economic growth for communities from Mexico to Canada.

Three proposals are now before Congress that will:

Fund Development and Construction of Future Interstates
- Establish a Multi-State Future Interstate Highway Formula Program to accelerate planning, design, and construction along designated Future Interstate Corridors.
Gather the Data to Drive Decisions
- Launch a Future Interstate Feasibility Study to evaluate the economic, safety, and mobility benefits of extending Future Interstate 27 across the remaining Ports-to-Plains Corridor and all of the Heartland Expressway and Theodore Roosevelt Expressway.
Show Unified Support for Future Interstate and I-27 Route Numbering

Why It Matters
These proposals move the corridor forward with a coordinated federal strategy, ensure all corridor states can compete on an even playing field, and open the door to sustained federal investment.

Take Action: Adopt resolutions urging Congress to include a Multi-State Future Interstate Formula Program, Interstate Feasibility Study, and Future Interstate Designation and Route Numbering.

Multi-state Future Interstate Formula Program (For more information see: https://www.portstoplains.com/multi-state-future-interstate-highway-formula-program/ ● Download the Resolution and bring it before city council, board of county commissioners, board of directors, etc. Once executed please send a digital copy to Joe Kiely, Vice President of Operations joe.kiely@portstoplains.com.

- There is currently no dedicated federal funding to plan and construct Future Interstate Highways.
- Support Trade: Efficiently connects ports of entry and freight hubs across North America.
- Improve Safety & Resilience: Upgrades outdated roadways to modern Interstate standards.
- National Defense: Strengthens the Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET).
- Incorporate New Technologies that are Environmentally Conscious: Smart Technologies and Multi-modal access will drive efficiencies and control the carbon footprint.
- Annual funding distributed to State DOT’s annually, dedicated to Future Interstate Highways, adding to the state Rate of Return, states plan the development and construction, and aligned with AASHTO policies.

Future Interstate Highway Feasibility Study (For more information see: https://www.portstoplains.com/future-interstate-feasibility-study/ ● Download the Resolution and bring it before city council, board of county commissioners, board of directors, etc. Once executed please send a digital copy to Joe Kiely, Vice President of Operations joe.kiely@portstoplains.com.

- Provides Critical Data for Future Decision-Making: that informs local, state, and federal decision-making. It will evaluate potential benefits well beyond traditional metrics like traffic volume and population density.
- Avoids a Fragmented Approach: Conducting isolated state studies produces incomplete and incompatible results. A unified feasibility study ensures each corridor segment aligns in design, timing, and purpose.
- A Feasibility Study addresses more potential than the metrics of the historical vehicle counts and population by evaluating opportunities for a Future Interstate to improve connectivity, safety, and mobility; improve travel time and reduce travel time cost; improve freight movement; increase access to markets for energy and agricultural products; alleviate congestion and improve reliability; facilitate the flow of goods and international trade; increase create jobs and economic opportunities; and increase and expand the local tax base and state sales tax revenues.

Designation and Route Numbering (For more information see: https://www.portstoplains.com/future-interstate-designation-numbering-future-interstate-segments/ ● Download the Resolution and bring it before city council, board of county commissioners, board of directors, etc. Once executed please send a digital copy to Joe Kiely, Vice President of Operations joe.kiely@portstoplains.com.

- Goal is to Have I-27 Across North America
- Moves the Corridor Forward Through Two Critical Steps: This proposal achieves both: Future Interstate Designation for the remaining corridor; and Route Numbering as I-27 across the entire multi-state corridor.
- Evens the Playing Field: This proposal evens the playing field by allowing Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana to advance on the same path.
- Meets Federal Requirements for Future Interstate Designation: This ensures compliance with the requirement that Future Interstates must link existing Interstate Highway routes.
- Unlocks Future Interstate Formula Program Eligibility: The designation enables access to a proposed Future Interstate Highway Formula Program—already submitted to the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
- Spurs Local Investment and Economic Opportunity: Site selectors, logistics firms, and travel services businesses prefer locations along Interstate corridors, benefiting: Small communities with new jobs and expanded tax base; Hotels, truck stops, restaurants, and convenience stores; manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution sectors
- Supports U.S.–Mexico–Canada Trade and Rural Prosperity: As North American trade grows, the central U.S. need additional north-south corridors to move food, fiber, fuel, and people efficiently to global markets.

Communities, chambers, counties, cities, 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.

2025 Ports-to-Plains Alliance Conference Speaker Highlight

Driving Consensus: Public Involvement and the Interstate Advantage
Stacey Benningfield, Texas Transportation Director, RK&K

An Interstate Highway brings change. People are often concerned about whether that change is good or bad. One of the important answers is created by Public Involvement. It is critical that you and your community participate in that Public Involvement. What does Public Involvement mean? Based on experience, Ms. Benningfield will provide you with specific answers. Public Involvement is not a single event but multiple events during multiple stages of study before construction can move forward.

Corridor Feasibility Studies will begin the process of determining, the benefit vs. cost of upgrading a highway to Interstate standards. The Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study is available to review at https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/statewide/ports-to-plains-corridor.html. Public Involvement included Advisory Committee meetings where city and county leadership met six times between October 2019 and October 2020 representing the regions along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor. These meeting were open to the public. Additionally, three Segment Committees were created to focus on smaller segments of the corridor and included the Advisory Board members as well as volunteers representing metropolitan planning organizations, ports, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations, the agriculture industry, oil and gas industry, the trucking industry; TxDOT District representatives; and any other interested parties participated. Each Segment Committee held five open meetings. Finally, the Advisory Committee held two statewide Public Meetings and the Segment Committees held 2-3 Public Meetings within each segment.

Once designated as a Future Interstate, many other Public Involvement opportunities will determine through City Location Studies, locations of frontage roads, and grade separations, as well as environmental impacts the path of the new Interstate Highway.

Stacey Benningfield leads RK&K’s transportation practice across Texas, overseeing complex multimodal planning, environmental documentation, agency coordination, public outreach, and project delivery. With over 40 years of experience in large-scale public-sector transportation—including extensive NEPA expertise and stakeholder engagement—she is committed to advancing safe, efficient, and innovative infrastructure that serves communities statewide.

Learn about the Public Involvement processes and how you can participate. INVOLVE YOURSELF!

2025 Conference Information and Registration is Now Available

Date: September 30 – October 2, 2025
Location: Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock, TX 79401
Theme: Interstate Advantage: Driving Trade across North America
Registration Costs: $125-Alliance Members; $150 Non-Members; Students $75; Significant Other $75 (Meals only)

Click Here to View/Download 2025 Conference Information

Click Here to Register

With meeting room capacity of about 200, with a month left before the Conference, we have 114 registrations already.

Exhibit Space Available – Claim a spot now!

There will be exhibit space available at the Overton Hotel and Conference Center. We have 20- 10x10 spaces with a table available. Space is comped for Platinum Sponsors. For others the cost is $200 which includes one comped registration. Let Tina Scarborough ((806)777-4162 – tina.scarborough@portstoplains.com) or Joe Kiely ((719)740-2240 – joe.kiely@portstoplains.com) know of your interest or questions.

Conference Highlights

From Ports-to-Plains to Partners: Advancing Trade through Border Connectivity
Balancing Access and Efficiency: City Location Studies that Drive Trade Forward
Moving the Herd: The Critical Role of Highways in Livestock and Ag Trade
Advantages of the I-27 System Implementation Dashboard
Protecting the Interstate Advantage: Security and Flow at the Frontlines of Trade
Driving Consensus: Public Involvement and the Interstate Advantage
Creating An Advantage Through Feasibility Study
Investing in Advantage: Unlocking Federal Formula Funding for Trade Corridors

Networking Opportunities

Opening Reception: The Texas Tech Club on Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Social and Dinner: Cook's Garage on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Lunch and Guided Tour: American Windmill Museum on Thursday, October 2, 2025
Guided Tour: FiberMax Center for Discovery on Thursday, October 2, 2025

Sponsorship Opportunities

Show your support for the Ports-to-Plains Alliance!

Recognized on portstoplains.com
Streaming on Home Page for the Event App
Sponsor Recognition including Contact Info and Description on the Event App
Recognition during the Conference
Comped registrations (based on Sponsorship Level)
Many others are described on the Sponsorship Opportunities linked below

Link to Sponsorship Opportunities
Call Tina Scarborough with Questions
806-777-4162

Who is already sponsoring?

Lodging

Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane, 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.

** Book by September 15^th to get the Ports-to-Plains group rates.

Heartland Expressway Association Hosts Annual Meeting in Alliance, NE

The Heartland Expressway Association held its annual meeting Thursday August 21, 2025 at Golden Hour Barbecue in Alliance, drawing 34 attendees, including elected officials, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the region. Among those in attendance was State Senator Paul Strommen of Sidney, reflecting the strong political support for the Expressway’s continued development.

Project Updates: Minatare to US 385

Austin Kellogg, District 5 Construction Engineer with Nebraska Department of Transportation provided an update on the final leg of the promised four-lane divided highway between Minatare and US 385. While the segment has received environmental clearance, several challenges remain, including utility relocation, irrigation ditch adjustments, and construction of a major bridge.

To maximize available funding, including Congressionally Directed Spending resources secured by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (NE), the project has been divided into Phase A and Phase B to ensure funds are used before authorization expires. Right-of-way acquisition is underway but progressing slowly. Kellogg also noted that work on the Chadron-north segment remains on schedule; while planning for the Alliance-to-Chadron super-two upgrade will likely begin in the coming years.

Big Picture Advocacy: The “Big Ask”

Lauren Garduño, President/CEO of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance, shared the latest from the Ports-to-Plains Alliance and partner coalitions, focusing on the “Big Ask”—a coordinated advocacy effort that includes three key federal proposals:

Future Interstate Naming & Numbering
Multi-State Interstate Feasibility Study
Formula Funding for Future Interstates

His presentation helped connect the dots between regional priorities and federal action, reinforcing the importance of passing resolutions in support of these initiatives.

Strong Regional Support

The meeting also served as a reunion, with former board members Mike Dafney and Tim Garwood among those in attendance. Association leaders reported continued momentum, with municipalities and counties across the corridor passing resolutions of support. Attendees were encouraged to help expand outreach by engaging chambers of commerce, tourism boards, and other organizations to adopt resolutions.

Click Here to View or Download Heartland Expressway Association Annual Report: https://pal.memberclicks.net/assets/Newsletter_2025/August2025/2025_Heartland_Expressway_Annual_Report.pdf.

I-27 from Amarillo to Dumas Feasibility Study Report

Another Milestone completed by the TxDOT Amarillo District. The I-27 from Amarillo to Dumas Feasibility Study Report has been finalized. This is the first step in planning for City Location Studies in Amarillo and Dumas. Thanks to the Amarillo District for moving this forward, especially, Blair Johnson, District Engineer, and Kit Black, Director of Transportation Planning and Development. This completes the first step in planning two City Location Studies and one Future Interstate Segment from the I-27 Implementation Plan. To view or download the Final Document: https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/get-involved/ama/i-27/072925-final-study-report.pdf.

I-27 Feasibility Study Overview

The I-27 Feasibility Study evaluates the potential upgrade of US 87/US 287 to interstate standards from Amarillo to Dumas, focusing on improving connectivity and safety.

Conducted by TxDOT Amarillo District.
Covers a 57-mile corridor from SL 335 in Amarillo to US 287 north of Dumas.
Builds on previous studies, including the 2020 Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study.
Aims to enhance freight mobility, traffic flow, economic development, and safety.

Study Area and Segmentation

The study area is divided into three distinct segments to address varying needs along the corridor.

Starts at SL 335 in Amarillo and ends at US 287 north of Dumas.
Segments include SL 335 in Amarillo, US 87/US 287 between Amarillo and Dumas, and the Dumas Area.
Each segment's unique characteristics and needs were considered in the planning process.

Planning Process and Public Involvement

The feasibility study follows a multi-phase planning process with significant public and stakeholder engagement.

Involves defining problems, analyzing traffic patterns, and developing alternative concepts.
Included five stakeholder meetings and four public meetings for input.
Continuous public involvement throughout the planning process.

Existing and Forecasted Conditions

The study assesses existing conditions and forecasts future needs for the corridor.

Evaluates roadway characteristics, demographics, land use, and traffic patterns.
Population in the study area is 142,916, with Randall County having the highest population at 76,091.
Projected population growth in Randall County to approximately 170,000 by 2050, while Moore County remains stable at around 21,000.

Roadway Characteristics and Safety

Roadway characteristics vary significantly across the study area, impacting safety and access.

SL 335 is under construction to upgrade to interstate standards with full access control planned.
The southern portion of US 87/US 287 has full control access; no frontage roads exist north of FM 1719.
Safety data indicates areas of concern based on crash records and roadway inventory data.

Demographic Overview of Study Area

The study area reflects diverse demographic patterns in Texas, particularly in age, race, and education.

14% of the population is over 65, consistent with Texas state average.
Randall County has 15% of its population over 65, while Moore County has 13%.
Randall County has a higher White population (68%) compared to Moore (56%) and Potter (43%).
Moore County has a notably smaller Hispanic population (2%) compared to Potter (40%) and Randall (25%).
The Black or African American population is lowest in Randall County (2%) and highest in Moore County (30%).
85% of the population has attained some form of higher education, slightly above the Texas average of 84%.

Employment Trends in Study Area

The employment landscape in the study area shows low unemployment rates and significant industry representation.

Unemployment rate in the study area is 2%, lower than the Texas average of 3%.
Major employment sectors include health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.
Moore County has the highest manufacturing employment at 28%, compared to the state average of 9%.
Randall County leads in retail trade employment at 12%, slightly above the state average of 11%.
Potter County has the highest health care and social assistance employment at 17%, above the state average of 12%.

Income Levels in Study Area

Income levels in the study area are generally lower than the Texas average, with notable differences among counties.

Average household income in the study area is $64,643, below the Texas average of $76,292.
Randall County has the highest average household income at $77,747, while Moore County is at $56,708 and Potter County at $53,048.
Average per capita income in the study area is $32,026, less than the Texas average of $39,446.
Randall County has a higher average per capita income ($41,029) than both Moore and Potter Counties.

Major Employers in Amarillo and Dumas

The economies of Amarillo and Dumas are supported by key employers in various industries.

Major employers in Amarillo include Pantex, Amarillo Independent School District, and Tyson Foods.
Pantex employs over 4,600 full-time employees and is the primary center for nuclear weapons disassembly.
In Dumas, major employers include JBS & Tannery, Valero Energy Corporation’s McKee Refinery, and Faria Dairy Farm.
JBS employs approximately 3,000 full-time employees and is a leading global meat processor.

Land Use Patterns in Study Area

The land use in the study area is characterized by a mix of urban, suburban, and rural developments.

Amarillo is defined as a large urbanized area with suburban regions and rural landscapes nearby.
The SL 335 segment serves as a loop around Amarillo, with mixed-use zoning and development.
The US 87/US 287 segment between Amarillo and Dumas is primarily rural, surrounded by ranches and farms.
Dumas features a small urbanized area with single-family homes and small businesses.

Traffic Analysis and Safety Concerns

Traffic conditions along the study corridor indicate growth in freight and vehicle traffic, with safety challenges identified.

The corridor is expected to experience continued freight and traffic growth from 2020 to 2050.
Field counts show truck traffic comprises 25-35% of total traffic along the corridor.
Historical crash data indicates over 5,300 crashes from 2019 to 2023, with 39 fatalities in the rural stretch between Amarillo and Dumas.
Key safety issues include single-vehicle crashes, nighttime crashes, and rear-end collisions, particularly in urban areas.

Stakeholder and Public Engagement Process

The feasibility study involved extensive stakeholder and public engagement to gather input and feedback.

Five Stakeholder Working Group meetings were held to discuss corridor concepts and gather local insights.
Two rounds of public meetings attracted significant attendance, with concerns raised about property impacts and environmental factors.
An online survey collected feedback on proposed alternatives, with limited responses indicating a need for broader outreach.
Individual meetings with affected property owners provided insights on access needs and potential impacts of proposed designs.

Concepts Considered for I-27 Corridor

The study team developed preliminary concepts for the I-27 corridor in collaboration with TxDOT, focusing on three distinct segments.

The segments include SL 335 in Amarillo, US 87/US 287 between Amarillo and Dumas, and the Dumas area.
Initial concepts were refined through stakeholder input, leading to the removal, merging, or carrying forward of certain concepts.
The iterative process involved multiple stakeholder meetings to gather preferences and concerns.

SL 335 in Amarillo Concept Development

The SL 335 concept aimed to identify the most beneficial alignment for interstate upgrades in Amarillo.

Two potential concepts were developed: SL 335 West (Yellow) and SL 335 East (Blue).
The West concept was favored by stakeholders due to less impact on existing residences and businesses.
The Cyan Interchange Option was recommended to minimize property impacts by utilizing vacant parcels.

US 87/US 287 Between Amarillo and Dumas

The study examined the potential impacts of widening US 87/US 287 to meet interstate standards.

A centerline-based alignment was chosen to minimize impacts, allowing for minor shifts as needed.
Ten proposed interchange locations were identified based on existing conditions and stakeholder feedback.
Stakeholder engagement led to the addition of a tenth interchange location to address concerns about access and mobility.

Dumas Area Concept Development Process

The Dumas area concept development involved multiple iterations to determine a feasible route for the I-27 corridor.

Seven initial concepts were proposed, which were refined through stakeholder feedback and screening matrices.
The process included public meetings to gather input and address concerns regarding property impacts and community resources.
The Loop (Orange) Alternative was ultimately recommended due to its potential for commercial development and access points.

Recommendations and Implementation Plan

The I-27 Feasibility Study recommends upgrading the corridor from Amarillo to Dumas to interstate standards.

The West (Yellow) Concept and Cyan Interchange Option are recommended for SL 335.
For US 87/US 287, widening and ten proposed interchanges are recommended.
The Dumas area will consist of a loop with three segments to enhance connectivity.

Next Steps

This feasibility study identified feasible routes for the future I-27 corridor through the recommendation of interstate upgrades to SL 335 and US 87/US 287, as well as a new location alternative around Dumas. TxDOT must engage in a series of development steps before construction can begin.