Conaway Files Legislation to Extend I-14 Through San Angelo

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Mike Conaway (TX-11) reintroduced legislation creating the extension of I-14 through San Angelo and Midland on Wednesday. According to the Congressman's office, this legislation, also referred to as the “Forts to Ports” bill, will extend the future I-14 interstate highway to additional areas in Texas and along the Gulf Coast. This bill will further connect key military installations to strategic seaports, enhancing their readiness as well as America’s national security.

The I-14 Expansion and Improvement Act builds upon the original designation, written as part of the 2015 FAST Act highway bill, of the Central Texas Corridor as the future I-14, and does not eliminate any currently authorized routes. This bill authorizes most of this new interstate route using the general pattern of existing roads and highways, while leaving the final determination about the exact interstate path up to state and local officials who know their communities best. Many provisions of the 2015 FAST Act are scheduled to expire starting next year, which will likely require passage of a new, comprehensive surface transportation bill during the 116th Congress (2019-2020). The expected consideration of this next “Highway Bill” presents an ideal opportunity to ultimately get this I-14 language signed into law by President Trump.

“As our economy continues to grow, it’s critical that we continue building the infrastructure needed to support it,” said Conaway. “The I-14 expansion through San Angelo to Midland provides a safer route for travelers in the area, and directly connects the Permian Basin – the top oil and gas producing region in the world – with one of the largest ports in the country. This route also establishes a clear route between military installations in Texas, connecting Goodfellow Air Force Base in the 11th District with Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, and the strategic seaports on the Gulf Coast. Access to an interstate highway is imperative to the continued development of West Texas, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this proposal a reality.”

Earlier this year, Conaway said, "San Angelo is one the largest cities in the nation without an interstate running through it and expanding I-14 through this area just makes sense,” Conaway said in a statement.

Conaway continued, “This expansion through San Angelo to Midland will not only provide a safer route for travelers and economic boon in the area, but will also directly connect the Permian Basin – one of the top oil and gas producing regions in the world – with one on the largest ports in the country. Allowing our producers to more quickly and safely move their products to market will further shore up our nation’s energy independence.”

The designated I-14 route begins in South Carolina and runs to Natchez, Mississippi and continues west through Louisiana and Texas.