Interstate 14 to Midland-Odessa becomes law

[TexasTowelie]

Five years of work to have the western leg of Interstate 14 include Midland-Odessa and San Angelo have come to fruition.

Earlier this year the Senate approved an amendment offered by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas and Ralph Warnock, D-Georgia, to designate the western leg of I-14 to include the three Texas towns while also extending the eastern segment across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed that same measure and it was signed into law earlier this week.

“The designation of Interstate 14 through Midland-Odessa brings with it enhanced connectivity for commerce and national security, and the Midland Development Corp. extends thanks to MOTRAN and congressional and local leaders, whose tireless work and advocacy brought this opportunity to fruition,” Sara Harris, executive director of the Midland Development Corp., told the Reporter-Telegram by email.

Whether it is the energy or agriculture sector, I-14 connects the economies and markets that are actually conducting commerce today, according to MOTRAN. The improved access to Gulf Coast ports, as well as the East Coast and ability to transport natural gas to European markets is great for the energy industry in the Permian Basin, but it’s also great for giving the Permian Basin additional ports to access for consumer goods and different options outside of Long Beach, California.

Read more: https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Interstate-14-to-Midland-Odessa-becomes-law-16616838.php
(Midland Reporter-Telegram)


A map of Interstate 14 through San Angelo and to Midland.
MOTRAN

[rampartc]

1. thanks towelie

you got me interested in that eastern extension. an interstate from alexandria through natchez and laurel would have come in very handy during our hurricane ida exile.

so suddenly ted cruz is interested in infrastructure.

[TexasTowelie]

2. You're welcome.

I had one friend that drove from New Orleans to San Antonio when the hurricane occurred. I don't know if he would have opted to go further north if I-14 were available.

Despite all of the other reasons that they listed for constructing the interstate, it must be kept in mind that the real reason for construction is to provide access from east to west for Fort Hood.