ODESSA — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) is calling on West Texans to support efforts to construct a major highway that would connect West Texas to ports of trade across the United States, as well as Mexico and Canada. In order to do so, Landgraf is advocating for West Texans to take part in the virtual public meeting the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is holding to present information on the Ports-to-Plains Feasibility Study on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 4:00 PM, and to submit comments regarding the study to TxDOT by May 28, 2020.
“To put it simply, TxDOT is figuring out the feasibility of building an Interstate-grade, four-lane divided highway that runs north to south, in West Texas, and possibly here through the heart of the Permian Basin,” Landgraf said.
The Texas “Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor,” which runs from north of Amarillo all the way down to Laredo, was designated by Congress as a High Priority Corridor in 1998. HB 1079, authored by Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo), supported by Landgraf, and signed into law by Governor Abbott in 2019, requires TxDOT to conduct a comprehensive study of the corridor and to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a continuous flow, four-lane divided highway through the corridor. The study is anticipated to conclude in January 2021.
“The virtual meeting will be specifically about the segment of the corridor that includes Odessa, Midland, Big Spring, San Angelo, and Lubbock” Landgraf continued. “This is an opportunity to learn about the study and to provide input on the recommendations TxDOT has received so far.”
To participate in the May 13th virtual meeting, TxDOT invites the public to log in online at txdot.gov, using the keywords “Ports-to-Plains.” A link will be provided to comment and view the presentation.
“A major trade artery like this could help be a stabilizing force for our economies out here in West Texas. The results of this study will affect our region for years to come, one way or another, and the impact that support and input from West Texans can have cannot be understated,” Landgraf concluded.
Written comments from the public regarding the study may be submitted by mail to TxDOT, c/o Ports-to-Plains Study Team, 5835 Callaghan Rd, Ste. 200, San Antonio, Texas 78228, or by email to [email protected]. All comments must be received on or before Thursday, May 28, 2020. For more information or if you have a special communication accommodation or need for an interpreter, a request can be made at least two days prior to the meeting at [email protected] or (512) 486-5106.