2.1. Unified Planning Work Program Modifications 2.2. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications 2.3. Endorsement of "One Week Free" TEXpress Lanes Promotion
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report 1. Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment and Air Quality Conformity Schedule – Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach – Blacklands Toll Road Decision in November – NCTCOG Traffic Counts and Forecast – Staff Organization and Firewall – RTC Legislative Program (See Reference Item 8.1) – Public Record Impacting Environmental Assessment 2. November Proposition 1 and Proposition 1 Stakeholder Committee Report (Electronic Item 3.1) 3. Recent Texas Transportation Commission Meeting Item on Funded Projects 4. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.2) 5. SH 161 Use of Shoulder Project Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.3) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Award: Land Use-Transportation Connections to Sustainable Schools Project 6. September Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.4) and Blacklands Corridor Public Meeting Minutes (Link to be provided after comment period is over and information is processed) 7. September 22, 2014, Public Meeting 8. SmartwaySM Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Transportation Alternatives Program Project Selection Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) applications received and the evaluation process. Recommendation of projects to select for funding will also be provided and action requested. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments issued a $28.7 million TAP Call for Projects on February 24, 2014, with the option of additional funds to be added. Applications were due on May 30, 2014. Projects eligible for funding included active transportation, safe access to schools, and urban thoroughfares/boulevards. The Regional Transportation Council approved the eligible and ineligible project types and a methodology for project evaluation screens and scoring. Reference Item 4.1 provides the project scoring and recommendations. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 4.2
Memorandum of Understanding for a Transit Partnership in Mesquite Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed on a Memorandum of Understanding among the City of Mesquite, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), STAR Transit, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for a new transit partnership, and staff will request the Council’s approval. Background: The City of Mesquite has been contracting with DART since 2012 to provide bus service connecting Mesquite and Dallas as part of a pilot project designed to get low-income individuals to work. In anticipation of the end of the pilot project in December 2014, the City of Mesquite requested a new transit partnership be created to ensure service continues uninterrupted while a new bus proposal is considered and implemented. Staff will provide details about the four-party Memorandum of Understanding among the City of Mesquite, DART, STAR Transit, and NCTCOG. Details are provided in Reference Item 5.
United States Secretary of Transportation Letter: Six Projects Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present a proposed response to correspondence from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx and request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to move forward with a proposed list of projects. Background: Recently the USDOT, in developing an inventory of potential infrastructure bank projects, provided correspondence requesting feedback and a potential list of projects. A copy of the correspondence is provided in Electronic Item 6.1. Staff has inventoried possible projects to be pursued that include: - Southern Gateway - IH 635-Phase 3 - IH 35W-3C (north of US 287) - Cotton Belt - Trinity Parkway - High Speed Rail between Fort Worth and Dallas Transportation entities have been surveyed and concur with the proposed projects. Draft correspondence to Secretary Foxx is contained in Reference Item 6.2 for RTC approval.
High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes on US 75 and IH 635 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval of the proposed strategy to move forward with high occupancy vehicle lanes on US 75 and IH 635 will be requested. Background: North Texas has been and continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, leading to a greater demand on the transportation system. However, traditional transportation funding has remained mostly unchanged for many years. TEXpress Lanes and the proposed transition of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to express lanes are two types of facilities that help address transportation demand, air quality concerns, and expand mobility options. At recent community workshops/public meetings, staff summarized the plan for current HOV lanes to be transitioned to managed-lane operation as an interim configuration until permanent tolled managed lanes can be implemented. A map of the near-term managed- lane system is provided in Electronic Item 7.1. A proposed strategy is contained in Reference Item 7.2. In addition, a proposed resolution is provided in Reference Item 7.3. It is proposed that IH 635 Phase 3 proceed and interim improvements on US 75 be put on hold.
Legislative Update Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will receive a federal and State legislative update and be asked to approve the RTC Legislative Program for the 84th Texas Legislature. An updated legislative program can be found in Reference Item 8.1. Please find changes since this was presented at last month’s meeting noted in underline/strikethrough text. As we come upon the legislative session, local governments are also reminded to pass resolutions in support of Proposition 1 and other funding initiatives. Sample language can be found in the RTC resolution adopted on May 8, 2014, provided in Electronic Item 8.2. Additional information can be found in the presentation, provided in Electronic Item 8.3. A draft resolution is provided in Reference Item 8.4. Background: Transportation issues continue to be a focus for both the United States Congress and the Texas Legislature. Congress recently approved a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open through December 11, 2014, and stands adjourned until after the November midterm elections. The Texas Legislature continues to hold interim committee hearings as it prepares for the legislative session beginning January 13, 2015.
Upcoming North Texas Tollway Authority/Regional Transportation Council Partnership Supporting Additional Comprehensive Development Agreement Authority in Advance of the Legislative Session Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Council will be briefed on the proposed list of projects for additional Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) authority for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the upcoming legislative session. Background: In the last two legislative sessions, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), in conjunction with TxDOT, have developed a joint position on proposed CDA projects. CDA authority was approved in the last legislative session (83rd Texas Legislature) related to the following projects: SH 183/SH 114 (add and extend timeframe), North Tarrant Express (extend timeframe), IH 35E/US 67 (new authority), and Loop 9 (new authority). Staff is working with NTTA and TxDOT to confirm a joint list of projects for additional CDA authority in the upcoming legislative session, which include the following projects: IH 635 East, Trinity Parkway, and any existing projects requiring an extension of time. These projects are included in the draft RTC Legislative Program. With regard to the Trinity Parkway, staff’s recommendation is to include the project in the list of candidate projects to ensure that all options are available to the public sector to implement the project. Electronic Item 9 is a draft resolution. RTC action will be requested in November
Updating the Dallas and Fort Worth Texas Department of Transportation Districts: Follow Up from Workshop Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provided a follow-up discussion to the Regional Transportation Council Workshop held prior to the meeting. Background: Prior to the meeting, a Workshop was held to discuss updating the Dallas and Fort Worth Texas Department of Transportation Districts (TxDOT). Discussion will include the number of TxDOT districts in the region and the counties that are within those individual districts.
2.1. Unified Planning Work Program Modifications 2.2. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications 2.3. Endorsement of "One Week Free" TEXpress Lanes Promotion
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report 1. Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment and Air Quality Conformity Schedule – Importance of a Bottom-Up Approach – Blacklands Toll Road Decision in November – NCTCOG Traffic Counts and Forecast – Staff Organization and Firewall – RTC Legislative Program (See Reference Item 8.1) – Public Record Impacting Environmental Assessment 2. November Proposition 1 and Proposition 1 Stakeholder Committee Report (Electronic Item 3.1) 3. Recent Texas Transportation Commission Meeting Item on Funded Projects 4. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.2) 5. SH 161 Use of Shoulder Project Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.3) Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Award: Land Use-Transportation Connections to Sustainable Schools Project 6. September Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.4) and Blacklands Corridor Public Meeting Minutes (Link to be provided after comment period is over and information is processed) 7. September 22, 2014, Public Meeting 8. SmartwaySM Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Transportation Alternatives Program Project Selection Item Summary: Staff will provide information regarding the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) applications received and the evaluation process. Recommendation of projects to select for funding will also be provided and action requested. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments issued a $28.7 million TAP Call for Projects on February 24, 2014, with the option of additional funds to be added. Applications were due on May 30, 2014. Projects eligible for funding included active transportation, safe access to schools, and urban thoroughfares/boulevards. The Regional Transportation Council approved the eligible and ineligible project types and a methodology for project evaluation screens and scoring. Reference Item 4.1 provides the project scoring and recommendations. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 4.2
Memorandum of Understanding for a Transit Partnership in Mesquite Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed on a Memorandum of Understanding among the City of Mesquite, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), STAR Transit, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) for a new transit partnership, and staff will request the Council’s approval. Background: The City of Mesquite has been contracting with DART since 2012 to provide bus service connecting Mesquite and Dallas as part of a pilot project designed to get low-income individuals to work. In anticipation of the end of the pilot project in December 2014, the City of Mesquite requested a new transit partnership be created to ensure service continues uninterrupted while a new bus proposal is considered and implemented. Staff will provide details about the four-party Memorandum of Understanding among the City of Mesquite, DART, STAR Transit, and NCTCOG. Details are provided in Reference Item 5.
United States Secretary of Transportation Letter: Six Projects Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present a proposed response to correspondence from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx and request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to move forward with a proposed list of projects. Background: Recently the USDOT, in developing an inventory of potential infrastructure bank projects, provided correspondence requesting feedback and a potential list of projects. A copy of the correspondence is provided in Electronic Item 6.1. Staff has inventoried possible projects to be pursued that include: - Southern Gateway - IH 635-Phase 3 - IH 35W-3C (north of US 287) - Cotton Belt - Trinity Parkway - High Speed Rail between Fort Worth and Dallas Transportation entities have been surveyed and concur with the proposed projects. Draft correspondence to Secretary Foxx is contained in Reference Item 6.2 for RTC approval.
High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes on US 75 and IH 635 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council approval of the proposed strategy to move forward with high occupancy vehicle lanes on US 75 and IH 635 will be requested. Background: North Texas has been and continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, leading to a greater demand on the transportation system. However, traditional transportation funding has remained mostly unchanged for many years. TEXpress Lanes and the proposed transition of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to express lanes are two types of facilities that help address transportation demand, air quality concerns, and expand mobility options. At recent community workshops/public meetings, staff summarized the plan for current HOV lanes to be transitioned to managed-lane operation as an interim configuration until permanent tolled managed lanes can be implemented. A map of the near-term managed- lane system is provided in Electronic Item 7.1. A proposed strategy is contained in Reference Item 7.2. In addition, a proposed resolution is provided in Reference Item 7.3. It is proposed that IH 635 Phase 3 proceed and interim improvements on US 75 be put on hold.
Legislative Update Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will receive a federal and State legislative update and be asked to approve the RTC Legislative Program for the 84th Texas Legislature. An updated legislative program can be found in Reference Item 8.1. Please find changes since this was presented at last month’s meeting noted in underline/strikethrough text. As we come upon the legislative session, local governments are also reminded to pass resolutions in support of Proposition 1 and other funding initiatives. Sample language can be found in the RTC resolution adopted on May 8, 2014, provided in Electronic Item 8.2. Additional information can be found in the presentation, provided in Electronic Item 8.3. A draft resolution is provided in Reference Item 8.4. Background: Transportation issues continue to be a focus for both the United States Congress and the Texas Legislature. Congress recently approved a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open through December 11, 2014, and stands adjourned until after the November midterm elections. The Texas Legislature continues to hold interim committee hearings as it prepares for the legislative session beginning January 13, 2015.
Upcoming North Texas Tollway Authority/Regional Transportation Council Partnership Supporting Additional Comprehensive Development Agreement Authority in Advance of the Legislative Session Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Council will be briefed on the proposed list of projects for additional Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) authority for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the upcoming legislative session. Background: In the last two legislative sessions, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), in conjunction with TxDOT, have developed a joint position on proposed CDA projects. CDA authority was approved in the last legislative session (83rd Texas Legislature) related to the following projects: SH 183/SH 114 (add and extend timeframe), North Tarrant Express (extend timeframe), IH 35E/US 67 (new authority), and Loop 9 (new authority). Staff is working with NTTA and TxDOT to confirm a joint list of projects for additional CDA authority in the upcoming legislative session, which include the following projects: IH 635 East, Trinity Parkway, and any existing projects requiring an extension of time. These projects are included in the draft RTC Legislative Program. With regard to the Trinity Parkway, staff’s recommendation is to include the project in the list of candidate projects to ensure that all options are available to the public sector to implement the project. Electronic Item 9 is a draft resolution. RTC action will be requested in November
Updating the Dallas and Fort Worth Texas Department of Transportation Districts: Follow Up from Workshop Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provided a follow-up discussion to the Regional Transportation Council Workshop held prior to the meeting. Background: Prior to the meeting, a Workshop was held to discuss updating the Dallas and Fort Worth Texas Department of Transportation Districts (TxDOT). Discussion will include the number of TxDOT districts in the region and the counties that are within those individual districts.