Abbott, TxDOT Announce Federal Funding For Major Project In Permian Basin

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Friday announced that TxDOT has won a federal grant to help transform an intersection on I-20 to ease congestion and save lives.

Through its Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation grants, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded TxDOT $25 million for the I-20 and Cotton Flat Road interchange near Midland.

“Improving the infrastructure in the Permian Basin is critical to the movement of people and goods that support the largest source of oil and gas production in this country,” Governor Greg Abbott said. “I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and Secretary Elaine Chao for recognizing the vital role that this region continues to play in our nation’s energy independence. Working together with TxDOT, the federal government continues to show its commitment to bettering the roads and bridges across Texas.”

“We are grateful to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Senator John Cornyn and Congressman Mike Conaway for their leadership in securing these funds for our great state,” said Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “Interstate 20 is a vital energy trade corridor not only for Texas but for the entire United States. This BUILD grant is a huge boost in our efforts to increase safety along this corridor and to connect the Permian Basin energy sector to global markets.”

“Following my meeting in the Permian Basin with Chairman Bugg and other transportation stakeholders last year, I’m proud to announce another federal investment in the region’s infrastructure,” said Senator John Cornyn, who sent a letter to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation in support of this project. “This grant will streamline the interchange and allow for safer, more efficient travel in West Texas.”

“I-20 is an essential corridor for both travel and trade in our community. Not only does it support our critical energy sector, but it is also a vital east-west corridor for the agriculture, mining, trucking, construction, and manufacturing industries. This grant will go towards raising the Cotton Flat Road overpass—which has suffered from numerous bridge strikes and has been a safety hazard with frequent traffic shutdowns. I am pleased to see the Trump Administration continue to invest in our local infrastructure, and look forward to the finished overpass,” said Congressman Mike Conaway.

Energy production in the Permian Basin is projected to more than double over the next four years.

There is an urgent need to maintain and improve existing rural infrastructure in the area and this grant will help make sure production continues while also easing its impacts on local residents.

The project is set to demolish the current overpass over I-20 and build a new one so the interstate goes over Cotton Flat Road.

This will eliminate the possibility of bridge strikes that caused lengthy traffic delays and posed a serious safety risk.

Between 2015 and 2018 there were seven reported bridge strikes at this location. The continued increase in energy activity is creating significant damage to roads from water, sand, equipment, and big trucks, creating a safety issue for all drivers in those areas.

As such, TxDOT announced a historic investment throughout the Permian Basin over the next 10 years through its Unified Transportation Program.

The Commission approved more than $600 million more funding for improvements in the UTP for the Permian Basin in 2019.

“Safety is our top priority and we appreciate the assistance from our federal partners to address a booming area that not only benefits the citizens of Texas but the nation as a whole,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass.

“The Permian Strategic Partnership is thrilled USDOT is recognizing the importance of the Permian Basin to our state, nation, and the world by awarding BUILD Grant funds to this TxDOT project,” said Don L. Evans, Chairman for the Permian Strategic Partnership. “The Permian is one of the most strategically important oil-producing regions in the world, and it is critical we continue to invest in the region’s priority infrastructure projects to fully realize its potential.”