Approval of February 12, 2015, Minutes Presenter: Mark Riley, RTC Vice Chair (presiding in Chair Mike Cantrell's absence) Item Summary: Approval of the February 12, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda 2.1. Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Dan Kessler, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2014 and FY2015 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will be requested. Background: The Unified Planning Work Program is required by federal and State transportation planning regulations and provides a summary of the transportation and transportation-related air quality planning tasks to be conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organization staff. The FY2014 and FY2015 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2015. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect new initiatives, project modifications, and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments were presented to the public during the February 2 and 3, 2015, public meetings and are posted on the North Central Texas Council of Governments' Web site. The proposed modifications are also included as Reference Item 2.1.1. A presentation summarizing the modifications is provided in Electronic Item 2.1.2. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee (STTC) was scheduled to take action on the proposed modifications at its February 27 meeting, but due to inclement weather the meeting was cancelled. Contingent on RTC approval, STTC endorsement will be requested on March 27, 2015.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report 1. Recognition of Bill Hale for Service on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) 2. Recognition of Geralyn Kever for Service on the RTC 3. Demographic Information Requested by the RTC (Electronic Item 3.1) 4. Proposition 1 Update 5. Please Stand Up 4 Transportation 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 7. April is National Car Care Month (Electronic Item 3.3) 8. 2015 Ozone Season Officially Began March 1 9. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Reclassification for the Dallas-Fort Worth Nonattainment Area (Electronic Item 3.4) 10. 2015 Federal Transit Administration Programs Call for Projects – Job Access & Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Electronic Item 3.5) 11. FY2016 and FY2017 Unified Planning Work Program 12. Air Quality Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.6) 13. March Public Input Opportunity (Electronic Item 3.7) 14. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Concurrence (Electronic Item 3.8) 15. Travel Demand Management Performance Measures (Electronic Item 3.9) 16. Federal Transit Administration – National Transportation Database 17. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 18. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 19. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 20. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Comments to the Environmental Protection Agency Regarding Proposed Rule: National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone Item Summary: Staff will present an overview of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) recently proposed ozone standard, highlight staff-compiled comments, and request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to submit comments to the EPA. Background: As a part of the required five-year National Ambient Air Quality Standards review process, the EPA published Proposed Rule: National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone, EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0699; FRL-9918-43-OAR, in the December 17, 2014, Federal Register. Comments are due March 17, 2015. In particular, the proposed eight-hour ozone standard would lower the threshold from ?75 parts per billion (ppb) to a range of 65- 70 ppb. The Metropolitan Planning Organization is responsible for regional air quality planning requirements of these rules. Transportation conformity is an example of this responsibility. Staff has reviewed this proposal, will highlight recommended comments, and will request RTC approval to submit comments to the EPA. More details can be found in Electronic Item 4.1, with draft comments provided as Reference Item 4.2.
State and Federal Legislative Updates 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.
SH 360 Update: A Reduction in Regional Transportation Council Risk Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG and Brian Barth, TxDOT Item Summary: North Central Texas Council of Governments and Texas Department of Transportation staffs will outline the path forward on the implementation of the SH 360 project. Background: The Texas Transportation Commission approved the selection of a design-build contractor for SH 360. The competitive process resulted in a significant commitment to the SH 360 project. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has the financial risk on the SH 360 toll project. This item will present the latest project details and demonstrate how the current configuration of SH 360 will reduce the RTC's risk over time. The RTC thanks the Texas Transportation Commission for its action.
Texas Department of Transportation – Transportation Alternatives Program Call for Projects Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information about upcoming funding opportunities through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Call for Projects. Background: TxDOT opened a call for projects on January 16, 2015, for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds. There is an estimated $52 million of funding available, and the deadline to submit a project to the State is May 4, 2015. A portion of communities within the Dallas-Fort Worth region may be eligible to apply. TxDOT held a workshop on March 10 at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) where additional information was provided. Any agency planning to submit an application should request a letter for support from NCTCOG no later than April 20, 2015.
Sustainable Development Regional Mobility Initiatives Report. Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present the Regional Mobility Initiatives report on the North Central Texas Council of Governments' (NCTCOG’s) regional approach to sustainable development, including an update on the Sustainable Development Funding Program and supported Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives. Background: The Sustainable Development Funding Program was created in 2001 by the Regional Transportation Council. Three call for projects were conducted in 2001, 2006, and 2010 to fund sustainable infrastructure, landbanking, and planning projects. Staff will present a Regional Mobility Initiatives report detailing the status and performance measures related to NCTCOG-funded sustainable development projects.
Transit Elements in the Cotton Belt Corridor: Vehicle Manufacturing Facility, TEX Rail Line Support, and Technical Assistance to Town of Addison Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: A status report will be given on various aspects of the Cotton Belt Corridor east and west of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, including the possibility of a vehicle manufacturing facility. Staff will also present additional information regarding the benefits of public transportation. Background: The Regional Transportation Council has supported the TEX Rail line, innovative approaches to implement rail service on the eastern side of the corridor, and exploring opportunities for a passenger rail manufacturing facility within the region. This item will summarize current activities.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Update Presenter: Michael Mallonee, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update regarding the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This will include an overview of the technology, anticipated benefits of its use, as well as current regulatory framework. Background: Unmanned Aircraft Systems have been used primarily by the military for many years. As this emerging technology develops, UAS activity is on the rise with benefits expected through a variety of civilian and commercial applications. In 2012, federal legislation required the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to safely integrate UAS into the National Air Space by September 2015. In December 2013, the FAA announced the selection of the six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems research and test sites around the country. Most recently, in February 2015 the FAA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Although the benefits of UAS are widespread, regional coordination is needed to reduce risk to airports. The North Central Texas Council of Governments aviation staff is actively engaged in assisting with the regional integration of this technology, including protection of existing airport infrastructure
11. Progress Reports Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. RTC Attendance (Reference Item 11.1) Local Motion (Electronic Item 11.2) 12. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 13. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 14. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of February 12, 2015, Minutes Presenter: Mark Riley, RTC Vice Chair (presiding in Chair Mike Cantrell's absence) Item Summary: Approval of the February 12, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda 2.1. Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Dan Kessler, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2014 and FY2015 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will be requested. Background: The Unified Planning Work Program is required by federal and State transportation planning regulations and provides a summary of the transportation and transportation-related air quality planning tasks to be conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organization staff. The FY2014 and FY2015 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2013, and September 30, 2015. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect new initiatives, project modifications, and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments were presented to the public during the February 2 and 3, 2015, public meetings and are posted on the North Central Texas Council of Governments' Web site. The proposed modifications are also included as Reference Item 2.1.1. A presentation summarizing the modifications is provided in Electronic Item 2.1.2. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee (STTC) was scheduled to take action on the proposed modifications at its February 27 meeting, but due to inclement weather the meeting was cancelled. Contingent on RTC approval, STTC endorsement will be requested on March 27, 2015.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report 1. Recognition of Bill Hale for Service on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) 2. Recognition of Geralyn Kever for Service on the RTC 3. Demographic Information Requested by the RTC (Electronic Item 3.1) 4. Proposition 1 Update 5. Please Stand Up 4 Transportation 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 7. April is National Car Care Month (Electronic Item 3.3) 8. 2015 Ozone Season Officially Began March 1 9. Environmental Protection Agency Proposes Reclassification for the Dallas-Fort Worth Nonattainment Area (Electronic Item 3.4) 10. 2015 Federal Transit Administration Programs Call for Projects – Job Access & Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Electronic Item 3.5) 11. FY2016 and FY2017 Unified Planning Work Program 12. Air Quality Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.6) 13. March Public Input Opportunity (Electronic Item 3.7) 14. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Concurrence (Electronic Item 3.8) 15. Travel Demand Management Performance Measures (Electronic Item 3.9) 16. Federal Transit Administration – National Transportation Database 17. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 18. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 19. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 20. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Comments to the Environmental Protection Agency Regarding Proposed Rule: National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone Item Summary: Staff will present an overview of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) recently proposed ozone standard, highlight staff-compiled comments, and request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to submit comments to the EPA. Background: As a part of the required five-year National Ambient Air Quality Standards review process, the EPA published Proposed Rule: National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone, EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0699; FRL-9918-43-OAR, in the December 17, 2014, Federal Register. Comments are due March 17, 2015. In particular, the proposed eight-hour ozone standard would lower the threshold from ?75 parts per billion (ppb) to a range of 65- 70 ppb. The Metropolitan Planning Organization is responsible for regional air quality planning requirements of these rules. Transportation conformity is an example of this responsibility. Staff has reviewed this proposal, will highlight recommended comments, and will request RTC approval to submit comments to the EPA. More details can be found in Electronic Item 4.1, with draft comments provided as Reference Item 4.2.
State and Federal Legislative Updates 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.
SH 360 Update: A Reduction in Regional Transportation Council Risk Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG and Brian Barth, TxDOT Item Summary: North Central Texas Council of Governments and Texas Department of Transportation staffs will outline the path forward on the implementation of the SH 360 project. Background: The Texas Transportation Commission approved the selection of a design-build contractor for SH 360. The competitive process resulted in a significant commitment to the SH 360 project. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has the financial risk on the SH 360 toll project. This item will present the latest project details and demonstrate how the current configuration of SH 360 will reduce the RTC's risk over time. The RTC thanks the Texas Transportation Commission for its action.
Texas Department of Transportation – Transportation Alternatives Program Call for Projects Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information about upcoming funding opportunities through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Call for Projects. Background: TxDOT opened a call for projects on January 16, 2015, for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds. There is an estimated $52 million of funding available, and the deadline to submit a project to the State is May 4, 2015. A portion of communities within the Dallas-Fort Worth region may be eligible to apply. TxDOT held a workshop on March 10 at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) where additional information was provided. Any agency planning to submit an application should request a letter for support from NCTCOG no later than April 20, 2015.
Sustainable Development Regional Mobility Initiatives Report. Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present the Regional Mobility Initiatives report on the North Central Texas Council of Governments' (NCTCOG’s) regional approach to sustainable development, including an update on the Sustainable Development Funding Program and supported Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives. Background: The Sustainable Development Funding Program was created in 2001 by the Regional Transportation Council. Three call for projects were conducted in 2001, 2006, and 2010 to fund sustainable infrastructure, landbanking, and planning projects. Staff will present a Regional Mobility Initiatives report detailing the status and performance measures related to NCTCOG-funded sustainable development projects.
Transit Elements in the Cotton Belt Corridor: Vehicle Manufacturing Facility, TEX Rail Line Support, and Technical Assistance to Town of Addison Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: A status report will be given on various aspects of the Cotton Belt Corridor east and west of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, including the possibility of a vehicle manufacturing facility. Staff will also present additional information regarding the benefits of public transportation. Background: The Regional Transportation Council has supported the TEX Rail line, innovative approaches to implement rail service on the eastern side of the corridor, and exploring opportunities for a passenger rail manufacturing facility within the region. This item will summarize current activities.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Update Presenter: Michael Mallonee, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update regarding the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This will include an overview of the technology, anticipated benefits of its use, as well as current regulatory framework. Background: Unmanned Aircraft Systems have been used primarily by the military for many years. As this emerging technology develops, UAS activity is on the rise with benefits expected through a variety of civilian and commercial applications. In 2012, federal legislation required the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to safely integrate UAS into the National Air Space by September 2015. In December 2013, the FAA announced the selection of the six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems research and test sites around the country. Most recently, in February 2015 the FAA released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Although the benefits of UAS are widespread, regional coordination is needed to reduce risk to airports. The North Central Texas Council of Governments aviation staff is actively engaged in assisting with the regional integration of this technology, including protection of existing airport infrastructure
11. Progress Reports Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. RTC Attendance (Reference Item 11.1) Local Motion (Electronic Item 11.2) 12. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 13. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 14. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 9, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.