FY24 Mini-appropriations Bill Brings $29.165 Million to Ports-to-plains Alliance Projects
LUBBOCK, TX: The recent passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (H.R. 4366) marks another significant milestone for the Portsto-plains Alliance corridor. This legislation, which cleared the U.S. Senate on Friday, March 8, 2024, and the U.S. House on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, was signed into law by President Biden on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Among the notable provisions of the bill are allocations totaling $29.165 million for four community projects benefitting the Ports-to-plains Alliance corridor. These projects were championed by various U.S. House members and Senators, reflecting a bipartisan commitment to infrastructure development.
Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) secured funding for two critical projects:
• US 287 Interstate Design, Amarillo to Dumas: $2 million
• State Loop 335 Widen Non-freeway, Amarillo, Texas: $2.2 million
Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) successfully advocated for:
• Interstate Planning: U.S. 87 from Lubbock to Tahoka: $8 million
Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) secured funding for:
• US 277—Operational Improvements in San Angelo: $2.5 million
Additionally, two projects received funding through the U.S. Senate:
• Ports-to-plains Corridor Interstate Planning (New Mexico): $1.6 million, championed by Senators Martin
Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján
• Heartland Expressway Improvements (Nebraska): $12.865 million, secured by Senator Deb Fisher
The total appropriations of $29.165 million, combined with the FY23 appropriations of $11.85 million, provide state Departments of Transportation (DOTS) with substantial funding to advance critical infrastructure projects. Notably, this funding does not rely on formula distribution, ensuring targeted investment in key transportation initiatives.
“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have the opportunity to directly advocate for federal resources that deliver for working families in New Mexico — and that's exactly what this legislation does,” said Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. “Today, I was proud to vote for this first package of appropriations bills that will deliver critical investments to every corner in New Mexico, addressing our community needs,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico.
“The Heartland Expressway Association is grateful to US Senator Deb Fischer for securing $12.8 million in the FY 2024 budget for work on the current construction phase of the Heartland Expressway between Minatare NE and US Highway 385 junction east of Scottsbluff. This critical piece of funding will assure the creation of another 18 miles of 4-lane divided highway in western Nebraska”, said Deb Cottier, Board Chair from Chadron, NE.
“Senator Fischer has been a long-time supporter of roads in Nebraska, especially the Heartland Expressway which is an expansion of the original state expressway system begun when Senator Fischer was in the Nebraska Legislature. She has made good on her promise to help and kept the funding alive until Congress could act on the transportation portion of the budget,” she said.
“I am thrilled by the approved funding, which marks another landmark step toward the prosperous future along the Ports-to-plains corridor,” said John Osborne, Chairman of the Ports-to-plains Alliance. “The bipartisan effort to bring this legislation to pass unite both the nation's and Texas' strategic economic engines of agriculture production, energy, and international trade, while supporting the rural Texas communities in South and West Texas. I am grateful to all congressmen and women for their efforts in furthering the mission of the Ports-toplains Alliance.”
The FY24 appropriations represent a significant investment in the future of transportation infrastructure along the Ports-to-plains Alliance corridor, fostering economic growth and connectivity across the region.
Ports-to-plains Alliance Ports-to-plains is a grassroots alliance of over 200 communities and businesses, including alliance partners Heartland Expressway and Theodore Roosevelt Expressway, whose mission is to advocate for a robust international transportation infrastructure to promote economic security and prosperity throughout North America's energy and agricultural heartland including Mexico to Canada. Additional information on the Ports-to-plains Alliance is available at http://www.portstoplains. com/.