Governor signs bill calling for Interstate 27 extension study
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill this week that directs the Texas Department of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study on extending Interstate 27, from the northern Panhandle down to Laredo.
Texas House Bill 1079 was authored and sponsored by much of the West Texas delegation. The bill passed in the Texas House and Senate in May before going to the governor’s desk, and the governor signed it on Monday. TxDOT is required to submit the report no later than January 1, 2021.
The bill states TxDOT shall, “conduct a comprehensive study of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor. The study must evaluate the feasibility of, and the costs and logistical matters associated with, improvements that create a continuous flow, four-lane divided highway that meets interstate highway standards to the extent possible.” It also says TxDOT will establish a Ports-to-Plains Advisory Committee to assist with the study. The committee will consist of mayors and county judges along the route.
Smaller segment committees will be made up at different points along the route. These committees will be made up of stakeholders, members of the business community, members of the city and county, and interested parties.
Read more: https://www.amarillo.com/news/20190612/governor-signs-bill-calling-for-interstate-27-extension-study/1
