BlakeFarenthold

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.

This photo was taken at the Texas Transportation Forum in Austin. I was able to take a ride in the Google self-driving car, which embodies the type of American innovation and exceptionalism that will literally drive our economic growth in the 21st century.

One cost-effective way to achieve 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 of 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.