Congressman Steven Palazzo joined Representative Brian Babin from Texas to reintroduce a bill to expand I-14. This legislation, also referred to as the “Forts to Ports” bill, will extend the future I-14 interstate highway to additional areas in Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast.
If the legislation is passed, the highway would connect key military installations like Camp Shelby to strategic seaports which Palazzo says would enhance their readiness as well as America’s national security.
“This legislation paves the way for endless economic opportunities in our region,” said Palazzo. “By approving this designation, we can spur development and connect our military installments to our ports and large commerce centers located throughout the route. I look forward to seeing the designation give Mississippi’s transportation routes a competitive edge.”
The I-14 Expansion and Improvement Act authorizes most of this new interstate route using the general pattern of existing roads and highways, leaving the final determination about the exact interstate path up to state and local officials who know their communities best.
Other original cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Michael Guest (MS-3), Ralph Abraham (LA-5), Mike Johnson (LA-3), Mike Conaway (TX-11), Randy Weber (TX-14), John Carter (TX-31), Roger Williams (TX-25), and Bill Flores (TX-17), and Kevin Brady (TX-8).
