Issue Position: Transportation and Infrastructure

Issue Position

Having quality transportation infrastructure by land, air, and sea is imperative to America's continued economic success. Whether it's expanding air service to local airports, ensuring that our waterways, like the Gulf Intracoastal and our ports are properly dredged and maintained, or working to repair and replace aging infrastructure like the Harbor bridge in Corpus Christi, I am committed to maintaining and developing our transportation infrastructure.

One cost-effective way to do this is through increased public-private partnerships. I recently supported a bill called the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act, offered by Congressman Cuellar (D-TX - Laredo), that gives Customs and Border Patrol the authority to enter into public-private partnerships with local governments and private sector entities to seek alternate sources of funding. These types of public-private partnerships save money and increase government efficiency.

Another transportation priority is the continued development if I-69 in South Texas. The Rio Grande Valley is the largest metropolitan area in the country not served by an Interstate highway. Surface transportation is crucial to our state, especially in light of the soon to be finished Panama Canal. Current plans for I-69 focus on improving existing highways in existing right of way preserving access for businesses and the agricultural community.

Further developing our transportation infrastructure remain a top priority of mine moving forward.

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