As a region grows, especially one that is developing as quickly as the Rio Grande Valley, the infrastructure that is in place has to grow and adapt to the changes. Weaknesses or issues which are not properly addressed can often have a negative impact on the local economy, or at the very least, they can slow down potential growth. This understanding of the need for improved transportation infrastructure, especially in the border region, is the main reason why earlier this month the Texas Transportation Commission submitted a recommendation for $150 million to be set aside for the US 83/US 281