Without question, if Texas is to continue to prosper economically it must invest in key trade-related infrastructure projects. We must enhance the ability of local MPO's to increase the volume of projects required by our international port, and to plan bi-nationally. This massive increase in trade has led to traffic congestion across our state's ports of entry.
Traffic congestion contributes to pavement damage and air pollution in border communities.
Aside from its negative effect on travel time and drivers' tempers, congestion delays the shipment of raw materials and finished goods, curtailing the growth of the Texas and Mexican economies. El Paso is also interested in supporting its expanding transportation and distribution industry cluster by developing an intermodal hub. This type of facility would provide a central location where cargo containers could be easily and quickly transferred between trucks, trains and planes. In addition to being more efficient, intermodalism is cheaper for shippers than using ordinary trucks or railroad cars. A well-designed, strategically located intermodal hub in El Paso would help speed the flow of raw materials and finished goods across the Border.