WASHINGTON — The I-14 Expansion and Improvement Act of 2019 was reintroduced to Congress Wednesday, targeting the Central Texas corridor as the spot to expand the highway, a press release from Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) said.
The bill, also known as the "Forts to Ports" bill, would extend I-14 to more areas in Texas and along the Gulf Coast, connecting key military installations to strategic seaports. This would enhance the ports' readiness, as well as America's national security, the release said.
The bill wouldn't remove any already established routes.
The bill authorizes most of the new interstate route using the general pattern of existing roads and highways, while leaving the final decision about exact interstate path up to state and local officials who know the communities best, the release said.
“Interstate 14 not only represents the future of mobility in Texas, but the future of security for our country,” Williams said. “The Forts to Ports project is essential to better preparing for the defense of our nation and shows America’s commitment to defending freedom around the world. The improvements this project will make will significantly enhance Fort Hood’s ability to meet our national security objectives. I am proud to once again cosponsor the I-14 Expansion and Improvement Act.”
Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) authored the bill and said it should get bipartisan support.
"I-14 will finally give countless communities access to the benefits of an interstate highway, with a design and implementation process run by state and local transportation authorities, not Washington bureaucrats," Babin said. Even in this time of divided government, I believe this is the kind of project that Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate can work together with the Trump Administration on to accomplish.”
Joining Babin as original cosponsors of the bill are Reps. Mike Conaway (TX-11), Randy Weber (TX-14), John Carter (TX-31), Roger Williams (TX-25), Kevin Brady (TX-8), Bill Flores, (TX-17), Mike Johnson (LA-4), Ralph Abraham (LA-5), Michael Guest (MS-3) and Steven Palazzo (MS-04).
Multiple representatives said the highway expansion will benefit the economy, drivers and national security.
Specifically, the expansion would connect Goodfellow Air Force base with Fort Hood, Fort Bliss and seaports on the Gulf Coast.
Babin also said a former president would be proud of the bill.
“As the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial is finally being built in Washington, I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor him than to pass this legislation that furthers his vision of creating an interstate system that connects America’s military assets, businesses, and communities from coast to coast,” Babin said.
