WATCH: Lubbock Economic Development Director Discusses New San Angelo Interstate

SAN ANGELO, TX – John Osborne, the head of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance talks about building new interstates in Texas during the 17th annual West Texas Legislative Summit at Angelo State University Wednesday. "First, you must propose a future interstate bill, create economic and ecological impact studies, and work with locals to determine where the interstate would best be placed," he says.

The cost of land acquisition in Austin, and impact studies, because it is such an urban area actually makes it more cost effective to build a hundred miles of interstate through Del Rio and Eagle Pass than to do 12 miles in Austin.

As we plan to connect Lubbock to San Angelo, Big Springs, Amarillo with the new interstate Mr. Osborne could not speak to exactly how long it will take to see the new interstate in San Angelo as he awaits approval of the proposed future interstate bill.

The interstate brings in all tupes of economic growth John Osborne explains, "from shipping to distribution, to the retails that springs out of that, the benefit is having a highway in you city cannot be understated."

John Osborne, who is currently the head of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, explains the economic drivers in his town. Lubbock is huge healthcare hub," Mr. Osborne says. "With 6.7 million visitors, our manufacturing industry has always been strong and is holding firm despite the national decline, and we are currently working to bring a new community college into town."