Four new truck stops are set to open along I-10 between Beaumont and Orange, Texas. Local leaders hope they will boost the economy in Southeast Texas.
What's happening: At least one of these stops will be up and running by the end of October 2024.
- These sites will provide parking, fuel, and other amenities for truckers.
- Expect restaurants and merchandise that cater to truck drivers.
- The local government expects to capture sales tax from these stops, benefiting the cities and the state.
Why it matters: There’s a growing need for truck stops along I-10 due to increased truck traffic. "They’re building new truck stops across I-10, across Texas and Louisiana as well," said Carl Cormier, Director of the CDL Program at Lamar State College-Orange.
Community impact: Officials in cities like Vidor see these truck stops as a hub for local industries, such as oil and manufacturing, that rely on trucking.
Vidor’s City Manager, Robbie Hood, mentioned the economic perks: "Every dollar spent inside the Road Ranger, the City of Vidor captures sales tax from that, as does the state in Orange County," he said. The hope is it will drive economic growth and meet the needs of the trucking community, according to 12 News Now.
No opening dates have been set for the other three truck stops, but the local authorities believe they will be a significant addition for the area.