Planned Free Trade Highway Drives Growth for Region
There aren’t many roads less traveled in the Texas Forest Country, and the same goes for rail and air transportation in this well-connected region.
Highways, both existing and planned, tie together roads, rail lines and other ground networks that link to local and regional airport facilities.
And with the ongoing planning of the Interstate 69 corridor, better known as the Free Trade Highway, to link Canada, the United States and Mexico, the area soon will see even more traffic coming to, and through, its communities. That’s good news for those charged with recruiting and retaining a strong industry base.
“A robust transportation network is the foundation upon which any community’s economy is based. We’re truly blessed in that regard,” says Bill King, president and CEO of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corp.
U.S. Highway 59, a dual-lane divided route, links the region to Houston to the south. The highway has been designated as the future I-69, giving businesses ready access to air and port facilities in Houston as well as the rail and highway networks that intersect there.
The region is also served by Union Pacific rail service, allowing connections to major markets throughout the country.
The new highway will also help the region’s already increasing traffic flow. Without a vibrant new corridor, existing thoroughfares could be overwhelmed, says Kelly Ritch Sr., director of operations for the Polk County Economic & Industrial Development Corp.
“Rail and road traffic will increase in Texas whether or not we build new transportation capacity,” Ritch says. “Texas has gained 36,000 new manufacturing jobs since 2004, which means an increase in manufactured goods and more freight on the highway and rail systems. The development of I-69 will also improve existing companies’ ability to compete and grow, which will retain and add jobs.”
Of course, no major project happens overnight, so communities are indulging in the luxury of time as they plan for the expected surge in new business as the transportation grid is enhanced.
That’s certainly true in San Jacinto, where the Shepherd Economic Development Council already is showing properties that one day will be adjacent to the new highway.
“We talk to a lot of people who really need highway access to either ship or receive their goods,” says Olene Reaves, the council’s economic development professional. “We are sitting on what will be I-69, and a lot of developers are waiting to see this southern extension finished so they’ll know where to buy property. We know it’s coming, and we expect to be real busy soon; it’s just a matter of time before we have people signing on the dotted line.”
