A $3.6 million dollar effort to turn 7.9 miles of U.S. 59 between Wharton and El Campo into I-69 was approved in Congress. This is a big win for Wharton, El Campo, and Wharton County. The executive director of the City Development Corporation of El Campo expressed excitement about the county-wide partnerships and their objective to have Highway 59 designated as Interstate 69 throughout Wharton County. The timing is perfect, considering the Kansas City Southern and Canadian Pacific merger, which showcases Wharton County’s readiness for growth with rail access and highway frontage.