Hurd Brings Major Infrastructure Improvement to Border Region

Press Release

In order to alleviate traffic along the border, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced a transformative construction project to widen U.S. 277 through Maverick, Kinney, and Val Verde counties. Funding for the project was made possible by U.S. Representatives Will Hurd and Henry Cuellar's legislative effort allowing states to use federal dollars on border infrastructure.

"Families and businesses in towns like Eagle Pass, Del Rio, Presidio and El Paso know just how vital border trade and commerce is for our economy and community," said Hurd whose bipartisan Coordinated Border Infrastructure bill, HR 3181, was included in the FAST Act, the first long term highway bill in over a decade, making these funds possible. "We must continue to invest in border infrastructure, so that trade is facilitated, benefiting every part of our state. It's been a pleasure to work with my colleagues, local, and state officials to ensure that we are building bridges with Mexico, our state's largest trading partner."

"TxDOT is glad to utilize funds made possible thru FAST (2015 Fixing America's Surface Transportation) to continue infrastructure improvements along US 277 within Maverick, Kinney and Val Verde counties. We are pleased that these federal funds not only serve to upgrade transportation corridors for citizens in the area but also serve to upgrade the economic corridor known as Port to Plains reaching from Mexico to Canada," said TxDOT Chief Engineer Bill Hale.

"Our priority as a community and elected officials is to provided safer routes for our constituents to travel by and still afford opportunities for travel and international trade to flow in between," said Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu. "With these projects, TXDOT has provided communities along Maverick, Kinney & Val Verde Counties the opportunity to continue experiencing the growth of economic and social activity."

Maverick County Judge David Saucedo emphasized, "Safety is one big issue that people traveling between Eagle Pass and Del Rio deal with on a regular basis. These funds will impact the security of our residents, as well as have a positive economic impact on our communities."

"It's clear that the Coordinated Border Infrastructure language would not have passed through Congress if not for the efforts of Congressmen Will Hurd and Henry Cuellar, and Senator Cornyn," stated Kinney County Judge Tully Shahan. "Kinney County residents will definitely benefit from the expansion of this corridor and I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Hurd to help ensure the safety of travelers on U.S. 277."

U.S. 277 will be upgraded to 5-lanes in eastern Eagle Pass from FM 3443 to State Loop 480, and upgraded with two passing lanes through Maverick, Kinney, and Val Verde counties. Bid letting is scheduled for summer 2017 for construction in subsequent months.

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