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Paris and Lamar County Community -Wide Strategic Plan. STRATEGY 5 Advocate for, and develop aggressive plans to improve the transportation system, including priorities of four - lanes for Highway 24 to Commerce, which will provide complete four lane access to Interstate 30 and other improvements (such as the airport) as they are identified. PRESENTSTATUS There is a 10 mile section of Highway 24 that is the only remaining 2 lane section from Mexico to Canada. This two lane section adds cost when transporting products from Paris, and is a competitive disadvantage. PREFERRED FUTURE STATE A four lane highway corridor from Paris to Interstate -30. ACTION STEPS 1. Complete Multi -Modal Economic impact Study. Study to include (multi - modal, Highway 24, Airport, Rail) with priority to support 4 lane construction as an economic development priority, not only for Paris and Lamar County, but for the DFW Metroplex and the TEX -21 Coalition. The analysis should include Highway 24 as a costal evacuation route, and the impact as a key military route to and from Camp Maxey. 2. Identify Federal Programs to find funding, for example, Homeland Security. 3. Implement Cox Field airfield improvements to support commercial flights. Note: recently completed 20 year master plan should be full implemented. 4. Establish partnership with short line operator, Kiamicbi, and Class 1 carriers to increase rail service in Paris and Lamar County. 5. Form Legislative Alliance. 6. Form Industrial Lobby. 7. Form cooperative relationship with Delta County. 8. Pursue major truck stop in Paris. OWNERS & STAKEHOLDERS Involve political and civic leadership: State Rep. Cain, State Senator Eltife, U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall, Delta County leaders, Don Wall, PEDC, Chamber of Commerce, local business and industry, etc. PROGRESS MEASURES Documented work plan by June 30, 2011. First Draft for Discussion Only 6 of 8 January 2011