Overview
Title
An Act To amend the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate the Texas and New Mexico portions of the future Interstate-designated segments of the Port-to-Plains Corridor as Interstate Route 27, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The government wants to change some roads in Texas and New Mexico into special highways called Interstate 27 to help cars and trucks travel better. They are giving new names to these roads, like I-27, to make it easier for people to find their way.
Summary AI
S. 992 is aimed at amending the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to designate certain parts of the Port-to-Plains Corridor in Texas and New Mexico as parts of Interstate Route 27. Specifically, portions of this corridor will be labeled as I–27, I–27E, I–27W, and I–127N. The purpose of this change is to enhance the transportation infrastructure in these regions, aligning it with the national interstate system for better connectivity.
Published
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Bill Statistics
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The discussed bill, known as the "I-27 Numbering Act of 2023," amends earlier legislation, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Its primary action is to designate future segments within the Texas and New Mexico parts of the Port-to-Plains Corridor as Interstate routes. Specific routes within this network have been assigned designations like I-27, I-27E, I-27W, and I-127N. This contributes to a more organized and potentially efficient transportation system within these states by formally integrating these routes into the Interstate network.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues arise from the way the bill is structured and expressed:
Complex Language and Legal References: The bill employs complex legal terminology and references multiple clauses of earlier legislation. This could make it difficult for individuals without a legal background to understand its full implications, potentially reducing transparency and increasing the risk of misinterpretation.
Lack of Explanation for Route Changes: The text does not provide a clear rationale for why certain routes are newly designated or redesignated as Interstate routes. This lack of clarity might lead to questions about decision-making criteria or the possibility of favoritism.
Potential for Increased Administrative Costs: The process of designating new Interstate routes may involve additional administrative steps and costs. Without an explicit analysis of the cost implications, there is potential concern about unnecessary public expenditure.
Assumption of Prior Knowledge: Readers are expected to be familiar with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. This assumption may limit understanding among individuals who are not already well-versed in this particular piece of legislation.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill aims to enhance the transportation infrastructure within specific regions, potentially improving connectivity and economic opportunities along the affected corridors. Effective integration into the Interstate system might lead to improved safety and reduced travel times for motorists. However, if the potential administrative costs associated with these designations rise, taxpayers may bear some of this financial burden indirectly.
Impact on Stakeholders
Residents and Commuters in Texas and New Mexico: For those living and traveling in the designated areas, the new Interstate designations could mean improved road infrastructure, potentially boosting local economies and enhancing daily commutes.
Local and State Governments: These entities might need to manage increased administrative workload and costs related to implementing the changes. However, they may also benefit from improved federal funding opportunities associated with the Interstate system.
Transportation and Logistics Companies: Companies operating in logistics or heavily reliant on road transportation might experience more efficient routing options and reduced transportation costs long-term.
General Public: Other than immediate practical effects, the public has an interest in transparent governmental processes. The current lack of clarity and feedback mechanisms might foster distrust if stakeholders perceive the decision-making as opaque or arbitrary.
In conclusion, while the bill presents steps toward enhancing regional transportation networks, it also underscores the need for clarity and transparency to ensure public and stakeholder confidence in legislative processes.
Issues
The designation and numbering of future Interstate routes within the Texas and New Mexico segments of the Port-to-Plains Corridor could lead to increased administrative costs and potential confusion due to the complexity and multiple provisions in Section 2. The absence of an explicit explanation on the significance of redesignating specific routes raises concerns about potential unnecessary expenditures and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The bill's language in Section 2 presents complex legal references and nested clauses. This complexity can make it challenging for the general public to comprehend the intended changes, leading to a lack of transparency and potential misinterpretations.
In Section 2, the amendment assumes familiarity with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. This assumption limits the accessibility of the bill to readers who may not have prior knowledge of the original act, thereby excluding certain stakeholders from understanding the implications of the legislation.
The bill provides no clear rationale for the choice of specific route designations as seen in Section 2. This lack of justification could raise concerns about arbitrary decision-making or favoritism towards certain regions, thereby affecting public trust in the decision-making process.
The title of Section 1, 'I–27 Numbering Act of 2023', offers limited information on the subject matter or the impact of the Act. This lack of specificity and detail could hinder stakeholders' ability to engage meaningfully with the bill and evaluate its significance.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this act, called the "I-27 Numbering Act of 2023," provides the short title by which the act may be referenced.
2. Numbering of designated future Interstate Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section updates the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 by designating specific routes as parts of the Interstate System, like I-27, I-27E, I-27W, and I-127N, and makes changes to how the law describes these routes for clarity.