Austin News

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz recently took part in a press conference in Midland, Texas, to discuss the impact of his I-27 Numbering Act of 2023 becoming law. The event, hosted by the Midland Odessa Transportation Alliance (MOTRAN), gathered local leaders and stakeholders to delve into the significance of this legislative achievement.

During the conference, Sen. Cruz emphasized the importance of the I-27 highway project, stating, "I-27 will run from Laredo, all the way north through West Texas, through the Panhandle, and up through Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and ultimately all the way up to Canada." He highlighted the benefits of the project, pointing out that upgrades to the Ports-to-Plains Corridor would result in significant economic gains, including job creation and increased GDP.

Sen. Cruz's efforts to secure bipartisan support for the I-27 initiative have been fruitful. He received praise for his collaboration with Sen. Luján in 2022 to designate I-27 as a future addition to the interstate highway system, a move that will positively impact 26 counties in Texas by enhancing critical infrastructure for farmers and ranchers.

Furthermore, Sen. Cruz's bipartisan coalition successfully advocated for streamlining the presidential permitting process for building key bridges across the Rio Grande in Texas. This achievement, enshrined in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024, reflects Sen. Cruz's commitment to advancing infrastructure projects that benefit communities across the state.

In another significant development, Sen. Cruz worked alongside a Democrat colleague to prioritize the Interstate 14 extension, a move that will bring substantial benefits to the Permian Basin region. These collaborative efforts underscore Sen. Cruz's dedication to spearheading infrastructure projects that foster economic growth and enhance connectivity in Texas.

The impact of Sen. Cruz's legislative accomplishments is poised to be far-reaching, with the I-27 Numbering Act and related initiatives set to bring about positive changes for communities in Texas and beyond.