The Texas Department of Transportation was awarded $50 million in federal grants to pay for critical improvements needed to address safety and connectivity in the booming Permian Basin. Through its Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation grants, the U.S. Department of Transportation helps pave the way for Texans and the rest of the nation to have safe and improved access to oil and gas.

"I thank Secretary Chao and the U.S. Department of Transportation for these BUILD grants and for recognizing the critical role the Lone Star State plays in driving our nation's economy," said Gov. Abbott.

"We are grateful to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Senator John Cornyn, Chairman Mike Conaway and Congressman Will Hurd for their leadership in securing these funds for our great state," said Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. "The Permian Basin is a strategic asset not only for Texas, but for the entire United States. Governor Abbott has asked TxDOT to help ensure infrastructure needs in the Permian Basin are made a statewide priority. These BUILD grants will be a huge boost in the furtherance of that goal."

BUILD grants will be used for the following projects:

Texas Energy Sector Rural Improvement Program of Projects: Winkler County Improvement Project — BUILD Award: $25,000,000

• The project will replace the existing four-way stop with an overpass at SH 302 and SH 115 (including over the railroad) in Kermit, Texas, within the Permian Basin.

Texas Energy Sector Rural Improvement Program of Projects: Glasscock County and Reagan County Improvement Project — BUILD Award: $25,000,000

• The project will replace the existing four-way stop with an overpass at SH 158 and SH 137 and improve SH 137 west of Garden City, Texas, within the Permian Basin.

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 an historic investment throughout the Permian Basin over the next 10 years through its Unified Transportation Program. The UTP includes plans for more than 1,700 mi. of improvements to strengthen pavements, add shoulders and add lanes for passing and travel.

"Thirty percent of our national oil and gas production occurs in the Permian Basin and production is expected to double in the next five years," added Bugg. "Texas is leading the nation in energy production and our diverse team of partners are working together to address safety and congestion throughout Texas' energy sector."

For more information, visit txdot.gov.

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