Approval of January 8, 2015, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Mike Cantrell, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the January 8, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. High Occupancy Vehicle/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval will be requested to use $60,000 of Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Local funds to support the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO’s) involvement in the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA’s) High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study. Background: As managed lanes are being implemented across the country, all agencies and regions are experiencing various hurdles in project implementation due to the unique design and operating characteristics of tolled managed lanes relative to traditional HOV lanes and toll roads. In response, FHWA has created the HOV/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study. The study is dedicated to researching critical policy, program, and technical issues that arise during the planning, design, and operation of managed lanes. Research ideas are generated by members of the HOV/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study which includes nine state departments of transportation and FHWA with two MPOs, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in the San Francisco Bay area, proposing to join. Staff is proposing to use $60,000 of RTC Local funds previously allocated to facilitate managed-lane operations and technology integration. The funding would be available to support this effort over the next three years. Details are provided in Reference Item 2.1. This project is pursued as part of a potential future program honoring the memory of Ron Kirby, former Director of Transportation for the metropolitan planning organization in Washington, DC.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Recognition of Ron Brown for Service on the Regional Transportation Council 2. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.1) 3. AirCheckTexas Replacement Assistance Resumed February 9, 2015 (Electronic Item 3.2) 4. United States Department of Transportation Conformity Determination Status (Electronic Item 3.3) 5. Texas Transportation Commission's Minute Order Authorizing Speed Limit Changes (Electronic Item 3.4) 6. Transportation Alternatives Program 7. Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Project Listings (Electronic Item 3.5) 8. February Public Meeting Minutes on the Unified Planning Work Program and Proposition 1 (Handout) 9. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Public Participation Plan Revisions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the revised Public Participation Plan. Background: Staff has developed proposed updates to the Public Participation Plan that outlines how the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department informs and gathers input from North Texans. A summary of proposed changes are outlined in Electronic Item 4.1 and will be presented. The draft Public Participation Plan is included as Electronic Item 4.2. Most recently approved by the RTC in March 2010, the Public Participation Plan (Electronic Item 4.3) encourages an open exchange of information and ideas between the public and transportation decision makers. Consistent with federal regulations, the Public Participation Plan clearly defines the purpose and objectives for initiating public dialogue on transportation plans, programs, projects, policies, and partnerships. It also includes as attachments the Language Assistance Plan and Title VI Complaint Procedures.
Approval of Proposition 1 Draft Listings: Texas Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organization Partnership Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG; and TxDOT Item Summary: Staff will update the Council on the latest developments regarding the Proposition 1 Funding Program and request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the year one Proposition 1 projects presented at public meetings. Background: In November 2014, Texas voters approved Proposition 1, which provided $1.74 billion to the State Highway Fund in the first year. The Dallas-Fort Worth region will receive approximately $367.6 million in year one. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staffs have collaborated to develop a list of proposed Proposition 1 projects. Eligible projects include engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of traditional roadways, excluding toll roads. NCTCOG staff presented a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 projects at public meetings February 2–3, 2015. Electronic Item 5.1 is the four-year inventory of proposed Proposition 1 projects. Reference Item 5.2 contains the Calendar Year 2015 project list for approval. Additional information on the Proposition 1 Funding Program is outlined in Electronic Item 5.3.
State and Federal Legislative Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will receive an update on State and federal legislative actions. The Texas Legislature convened on January 13, 2015. The United States (US) Congress convened January 6, 2015. Transportation issues will be a focus for both the Texas Legislature and US Congress. Background: The Texas Legislature and US Congress will be in session at the time of the February RTC meeting. This item will allow staff to provide updates on key positions of the RTC and allow any additional positions to be taken, if necessary. Correspondence is included as Electronic Item 6 providing positions of the RTC to the Texas Legislature and the Texas Transportation Commission.
Forecast 2040 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Kessler, NCTCOG Item Summary: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) prepares demographic forecasts for the region every four years that are used to guide the development of the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, as well as other regionwide, county, and municipal planning initiatives. Staff will provide an update on the status of this ongoing process. Background: Over the past 24 months, NCTCOG staff, in cooperation with local governments and public agencies, has led the process for the development of population and employment forecasts through the year 2040. This process was initiated in the spring of 2013, with refinements to the forecast methodology and the development of the district structure used to support the forecasting process. Since that time, this interdepartmental effort being carried out by Research and Information Services and Transportation Departments staffs has focused on the three principal work activities including development of regional control totals, development of district level forecasts, and allocation of future activity to the traffic survey zone level. Integral to this process are the review steps carried out by local governments at both the district and traffic survey zone levels. The forecasting process is now in the final stages of review by local governments and partner agencies. The forecasts will be presented to the Executive Board for approval in the spring of 2015. Details are provided in Electronic Item 7.
Trinity Parkway and Southern Gateway Status Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update regarding the Trinity Parkway and Southern Gateway projects. Background: The Trinity Parkway is a proposed ten-mile toll road between the SH 183/IH 35E interchange northwest of downtown Dallas and IH 45/US 175 southeast of downtown Dallas. The project will serve to relieve congestion in the IH 30 and IH 35E corridors through the Dallas Central Business District. The Southern Gateway project is comprised of IH 35E from 8th Street in Dallas to IH 20 and US 67 from IH 35E to FM 1382 in Cedar Hill. The project will help increase capacity, reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, improve design deficiencies, and improve system linkages. Possible funding options for the US 67/Southern Gateway project are provided in Reference Item 8.
Trinity Railway Express License Plate Survey Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Council will be briefed on a license plate survey recently conducted for the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Background: Since 2002 and at the request of the transit authorities, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has worked with the Cities of Arlington, Bedford, Colleyville, Euless, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Hurst, and North Richland Hills regarding the mid-cities’ financial contribution towards the operational costs of the TRE. NCTCOG, on behalf of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), collects funds from the mid-cities as a financial contribution towards the TRE in lieu of the direct contributions to the transit authorities. NCTCOG retains the funds to support RTC initiatives by funding projects directly or providing local match for federal funds. In exchange, the RTC programs federal funds to the transit authorities for federally eligible transit activities (typically, capital improvements). A license plate survey was recently completed to determine the relative share of users of the TRE by the nine mid-cities in order to adjust their financial contribution. The Council will be briefed on the TRE financial contribution program and results of the license plate survey provided in Electronic Item 9.
High Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update to the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the most recent managed lane performance report. Background: As part of the adoption of the Toll Managed Lane and High Occupancy Vehicle/Express Managed Lane policies, the RTC requires regular reports provided by the Texas Department of Transportation regarding performance of the managed lane facilities and the North Texas Tollway Authority regarding customer service demands. Staff will present an overview of the performance of the operational managed lanes in the region. In addition, an update will be provided on the schedule and status of the opening of all managed lane facilities.
11. DFW Connector Pilot Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council will be briefed on the status of the DFW Connector Pilot Program related to pay-by-mail surcharges. Background: The DFW Connector Pilot Project was initiated with the commencement of tolls on the project in July 2015. The pilot seeks to test whether increasing the pay-by-mail toll surcharge will offset the toll collection risk associated with users of the managed lanes who do not have toll tags. Lessons learned in the pilot could be applied to the IH 35W managed lanes, when open, in order to reduce the toll collection risk that the Texas Department of Transportation has in that corridor. 12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. RTC Attendance (Reference Item 12.1) STTC Minutes (Electronic Item 12.2) Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.3) 13. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 14.Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of January 8, 2015, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Mike Cantrell, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the January 8, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. High Occupancy Vehicle/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval will be requested to use $60,000 of Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Local funds to support the Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO’s) involvement in the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA’s) High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study. Background: As managed lanes are being implemented across the country, all agencies and regions are experiencing various hurdles in project implementation due to the unique design and operating characteristics of tolled managed lanes relative to traditional HOV lanes and toll roads. In response, FHWA has created the HOV/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study. The study is dedicated to researching critical policy, program, and technical issues that arise during the planning, design, and operation of managed lanes. Research ideas are generated by members of the HOV/Managed Use Lane Pooled Fund Study which includes nine state departments of transportation and FHWA with two MPOs, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in the San Francisco Bay area, proposing to join. Staff is proposing to use $60,000 of RTC Local funds previously allocated to facilitate managed-lane operations and technology integration. The funding would be available to support this effort over the next three years. Details are provided in Reference Item 2.1. This project is pursued as part of a potential future program honoring the memory of Ron Kirby, former Director of Transportation for the metropolitan planning organization in Washington, DC.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Recognition of Ron Brown for Service on the Regional Transportation Council 2. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.1) 3. AirCheckTexas Replacement Assistance Resumed February 9, 2015 (Electronic Item 3.2) 4. United States Department of Transportation Conformity Determination Status (Electronic Item 3.3) 5. Texas Transportation Commission's Minute Order Authorizing Speed Limit Changes (Electronic Item 3.4) 6. Transportation Alternatives Program 7. Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Project Listings (Electronic Item 3.5) 8. February Public Meeting Minutes on the Unified Planning Work Program and Proposition 1 (Handout) 9. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Public Participation Plan Revisions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the revised Public Participation Plan. Background: Staff has developed proposed updates to the Public Participation Plan that outlines how the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department informs and gathers input from North Texans. A summary of proposed changes are outlined in Electronic Item 4.1 and will be presented. The draft Public Participation Plan is included as Electronic Item 4.2. Most recently approved by the RTC in March 2010, the Public Participation Plan (Electronic Item 4.3) encourages an open exchange of information and ideas between the public and transportation decision makers. Consistent with federal regulations, the Public Participation Plan clearly defines the purpose and objectives for initiating public dialogue on transportation plans, programs, projects, policies, and partnerships. It also includes as attachments the Language Assistance Plan and Title VI Complaint Procedures.
Approval of Proposition 1 Draft Listings: Texas Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organization Partnership Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG; and TxDOT Item Summary: Staff will update the Council on the latest developments regarding the Proposition 1 Funding Program and request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the year one Proposition 1 projects presented at public meetings. Background: In November 2014, Texas voters approved Proposition 1, which provided $1.74 billion to the State Highway Fund in the first year. The Dallas-Fort Worth region will receive approximately $367.6 million in year one. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staffs have collaborated to develop a list of proposed Proposition 1 projects. Eligible projects include engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of traditional roadways, excluding toll roads. NCTCOG staff presented a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 projects at public meetings February 2–3, 2015. Electronic Item 5.1 is the four-year inventory of proposed Proposition 1 projects. Reference Item 5.2 contains the Calendar Year 2015 project list for approval. Additional information on the Proposition 1 Funding Program is outlined in Electronic Item 5.3.
State and Federal Legislative Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will receive an update on State and federal legislative actions. The Texas Legislature convened on January 13, 2015. The United States (US) Congress convened January 6, 2015. Transportation issues will be a focus for both the Texas Legislature and US Congress. Background: The Texas Legislature and US Congress will be in session at the time of the February RTC meeting. This item will allow staff to provide updates on key positions of the RTC and allow any additional positions to be taken, if necessary. Correspondence is included as Electronic Item 6 providing positions of the RTC to the Texas Legislature and the Texas Transportation Commission.
Forecast 2040 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Kessler, NCTCOG Item Summary: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) prepares demographic forecasts for the region every four years that are used to guide the development of the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan, as well as other regionwide, county, and municipal planning initiatives. Staff will provide an update on the status of this ongoing process. Background: Over the past 24 months, NCTCOG staff, in cooperation with local governments and public agencies, has led the process for the development of population and employment forecasts through the year 2040. This process was initiated in the spring of 2013, with refinements to the forecast methodology and the development of the district structure used to support the forecasting process. Since that time, this interdepartmental effort being carried out by Research and Information Services and Transportation Departments staffs has focused on the three principal work activities including development of regional control totals, development of district level forecasts, and allocation of future activity to the traffic survey zone level. Integral to this process are the review steps carried out by local governments at both the district and traffic survey zone levels. The forecasting process is now in the final stages of review by local governments and partner agencies. The forecasts will be presented to the Executive Board for approval in the spring of 2015. Details are provided in Electronic Item 7.
Trinity Parkway and Southern Gateway Status Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update regarding the Trinity Parkway and Southern Gateway projects. Background: The Trinity Parkway is a proposed ten-mile toll road between the SH 183/IH 35E interchange northwest of downtown Dallas and IH 45/US 175 southeast of downtown Dallas. The project will serve to relieve congestion in the IH 30 and IH 35E corridors through the Dallas Central Business District. The Southern Gateway project is comprised of IH 35E from 8th Street in Dallas to IH 20 and US 67 from IH 35E to FM 1382 in Cedar Hill. The project will help increase capacity, reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, improve design deficiencies, and improve system linkages. Possible funding options for the US 67/Southern Gateway project are provided in Reference Item 8.
Trinity Railway Express License Plate Survey Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Council will be briefed on a license plate survey recently conducted for the Trinity Railway Express (TRE). Background: Since 2002 and at the request of the transit authorities, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has worked with the Cities of Arlington, Bedford, Colleyville, Euless, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Haltom City, Hurst, and North Richland Hills regarding the mid-cities’ financial contribution towards the operational costs of the TRE. NCTCOG, on behalf of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), collects funds from the mid-cities as a financial contribution towards the TRE in lieu of the direct contributions to the transit authorities. NCTCOG retains the funds to support RTC initiatives by funding projects directly or providing local match for federal funds. In exchange, the RTC programs federal funds to the transit authorities for federally eligible transit activities (typically, capital improvements). A license plate survey was recently completed to determine the relative share of users of the TRE by the nine mid-cities in order to adjust their financial contribution. The Council will be briefed on the TRE financial contribution program and results of the license plate survey provided in Electronic Item 9.
High Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update to the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the most recent managed lane performance report. Background: As part of the adoption of the Toll Managed Lane and High Occupancy Vehicle/Express Managed Lane policies, the RTC requires regular reports provided by the Texas Department of Transportation regarding performance of the managed lane facilities and the North Texas Tollway Authority regarding customer service demands. Staff will present an overview of the performance of the operational managed lanes in the region. In addition, an update will be provided on the schedule and status of the opening of all managed lane facilities.
11. DFW Connector Pilot Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council will be briefed on the status of the DFW Connector Pilot Program related to pay-by-mail surcharges. Background: The DFW Connector Pilot Project was initiated with the commencement of tolls on the project in July 2015. The pilot seeks to test whether increasing the pay-by-mail toll surcharge will offset the toll collection risk associated with users of the managed lanes who do not have toll tags. Lessons learned in the pilot could be applied to the IH 35W managed lanes, when open, in order to reduce the toll collection risk that the Texas Department of Transportation has in that corridor. 12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. RTC Attendance (Reference Item 12.1) STTC Minutes (Electronic Item 12.2) Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.3) 13. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 14.Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.