U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced legislation Tuesday that would designate the Ports-to-Plains corridor that runs through Colorado as a future Interstate.
The Ports-to-Plains Corridor runs through Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.
Gardner, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, noted that Colorado’s growing population required additional infrastructure investments.
“With Colorado’s population growing at one of the fastest rates in the country, it is critical that we are making necessary investments in our state’s infrastructure,” Gardner said. “The Ports-to-Plains Corridor is key to Colorado’s connectivity and the movement of goods, and it’s important we understand and consider our long-term infrastructure needs in the future. I appreciate the work of local stakeholders to support the corridor, and I will continue my efforts to support Colorado’s infrastructure needs at the federal level.”
Gardner’s bill, S. 4701, the Ports-to-Plains Highway Act, is cosponsored by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).
“Texas is already the largest state exporter of goods, and adding an artery connecting us to Mexico and Canada will mean better access to markets for Texas farmers, ranchers, and producers,” said Senator Cornyn. “I look forward to working with my colleagues representing states all along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor to bring this plan to fruition.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics, freight moved by trucks is expected to increase by 44 percent by 2045. And according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Colorado exported $1.3 billion in good to Mexico in 2018, a number that is expected to increase in 2020 because of the United State-Mexico-Canada Agreement that went into effect this year.
“We are thrilled for this momentous legislation which will designate a future interstate along the Ports-to-Plains Corridor and bring a significant economic impact to the region as well as safety improvements for travelers on I-25,” said Cathy Shull, Executive Director of Pro 15 and member of the Ports-to-Plains Alliance Board of Directors. “Once completed, the infrastructure will alleviate heavy congestion by redirecting freight traffic east, paving the way for future economic development in eastern Colorado and increasing the productivity of drivers transporting Colorado exported goods to Mexico and Canada.”