Approval of July 9, 2015, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Mark Riley, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the July 9, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. 2015 Federal Transit Administration Programs Call for Projects: Project Recommendations Presenter: Jamie Patel, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the 2015 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Programs Call for Projects funding recommendations will be requested. Background: Last month, staff presented the projects received through the 2015 FTA Programs Call for Projects, which closed on April 10, 2015. The projects and recommended funding levels were presented at three public meetings held July 13 - 16, 2015. Staff is requesting approval to award five projects for approximately $4.4 million in federal funding from the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (§5310) and Urbanized Area Formula Program (§5307) for Job Access/Reverse Commute (JA/RC) projects. Electronic Item 2.1.1 contains additional summary information. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee has recommended RTC approval of the project recommendations contained in Reference Item 2.1.2. Staff presented recommendations to the RTC for information at its July 9, 2015, meeting.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Option to Receive Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Meeting Packets by E-mail Only (Request to aleger@nctcog.org) 2. Texoma Area Paratransit System Status (possible action) 3. Status on Federal Transportation Legislation 4. Proposition 1 Allocations Dallas District Fort Worth District FY2015-$238.59M FY2015-$129.04M FY2016-$175.98M FY2016-$92.12M FY2017-$173.24M FY2017-$90.67M 5.RTC New Member Orientation Schedule Options (Handout) August 21, 9:30 am - 11:30 am September 4, 9:30 am - 11:30 am September 10, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (RTC Meeting Day) Open to all RTC Members (Reply to vpruitt-jenkins@nctcog.org) 6. Livestreaming of Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Meetings, September 1, 2015 7. July Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.1) 8. Mobility Matters (Handout) 9. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.2) 10. National Drive Electric Week, September 19 (Electronic Item 3.3) 11. City of Irving's 2015 Transportation and Water Summit, August 18 - 19 12. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.4) 13.Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.5) 14. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.6) 15. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.7) 16. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Proposed Regional Transportation Council Air Quality and Management/Operations Programs and Projects: Response to New Air Quality Conformity Initiatives Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek Council approval for the following: 1) extending existing and developing new Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Air Quality and Management/ Operations projects and programs, and 2) a partnership with Denton County to identify Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funds for regional projects. Background: As development of the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) begins, staff is reviewing the RTC’s ongoing air quality and management/operations programs and projects. A determination is needed regarding which projects should be continued and any new programs/projects of this nature that should be considered for inclusion in the new TIP. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff has evaluated the list of existing management and operations, NCTCOG-implemented, and regional air quality programs, and is recommending the extension of many of these programs into the fiscal years 2015-2018 timeframe. Reference Item 4.1 contains a recommended project list for consideration. Staff will also request Council approval of a partnership involving Denton County RTR and Proposition 1 funds that will provide an additional funding source for these projects. NCTCOG staff welcomes discussion with Collin and Dallas Counties regarding the development of a possible RTR/Proposition 1 partnership in those areas as well. Details regarding the overall program are available in Electronic Item 4.2.
Formalization of the Regional Transit Vehicle Loaner Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the proposed Regional Transit Vehicle Loaner Program and request Regional Transportation Council approval to formalize the program. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has served as a designated recipient for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds since 2003. NCTCOG is responsible for applying for and managing FTA funds on behalf of small transit providers throughout the region. Since 2009, NCTCOG has competitively procured transit vehicles on behalf of these transit providers in order to reduce the administrative burden and lower costs via economies of scale. As the first group of vehicles procured by NCTCOG are replaced and no longer needed for service, there is an opportunity to loan the old vehicles out to other agencies that have a need. Staff has been working to develop a Regional Transit Vehicle Loaner Program and will request Regional Transportation Council approval in order to formalize the program. A presentation is provided in Reference Item 5.1 and correspondence to the Federal Transit Administration is included as Electronic Item 5.2.
Recognition of Federal Loan for IH 35E and Inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: ChristieGotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be asked to recognize the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) anticipated receipt of the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program loan that has been pending since 2012 and approve the incorporation of the $285 million in TIFIA funds into the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Background: In 2013, TxDOT executed a design-build contract for the IH 35E project from US 380 to IH 635. The RTC approved funding for the baseline project, as well as for several optional improvements. The funding plan for the project assumed that TxDOT would receive a TIFIA Program loan from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Over the last few years, TxDOT and FHWA have negotiated terms of the loan culminating in a pending approval by the federal government. In order to finalize the TIFIA Program loan, FHWA has requested that the TIP listings for the subject project be amended to reflect TIFIA participation. Due to the timing associated with the approval of the TIFIA Program loan (i.e., after the project has begun construction) FHWA has requested RTC acknowledgement and incorporation of the funds into the TIP. Reference Item 6.1 includes a draft resolution for RTC consideration. Electronic Item 6.2 provides additional details about the project. Two previously approved RTC resolutions are provided for historical reference as Electronic Item 6.3 and Electronic Item 6.4.
Reconfirm Support of IH 635 High Occupancy Vehicle Express Project Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 20 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Texas Department of Transportation Administration has requested the Regional Transportation Council to review its position on permitting single occupancy users to gain access to the interim high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on IH 635E from US 75 to IH 30. The reason for the item is the possible request from State legislators. Background: State representatives and senators from the IH 635E corridor may request TxDOT and/or the RTC to reassess the interim tolling position east of US 75. The project has been cleared by the Federal Highway Administration, a TxDOT contractor has been hired, and construction is underway. Electronic Item 7.1 contains a copy of a presentation the Transportation Department director presented at the request of State elected officials on July 28, 2015. Electronic Item 7.2 contains a copy of the request from TxDOT to assist in funding proposed noise walls. Electronic Item 7.3 contains a copy of the resolution previously approved by the RTC, and Reference Item 7.4 is the proposed RTC resolution.
Clean Fleets North Texas Call for Projects Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council approval to open the Clean Fleets North Texas 2015 Call for Projects (CFP) on August 17, 2015. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) intends to open the Clean Fleets North Texas 2015 CFP to provide approximately $2.5 million in grant funds for fleet projects in North Central Texas. All fleets operating in the 10-county Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) ozone nonattainment area are eligible to apply. Eligible project types include vehicle replacement, repower, retrofit, engine conversion, qualifying new purchase or installation of idle reduction technologies. Funded activities will improve air quality by addressing three of the seven air quality emphasis areas: high-emitting vehicles, idling, and energy/fuel consumption. This CFP is funded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Supplemental Environmental Project program. This initiative is an extension of clean vehicle efforts listed as weight of evidence in the DFW recent eight-hour Attainment Demonstration document. Reference Item 8 provides additional details.
Assistance to the City of Dallas and North Texas Tollway Authority Related to the Trinity Parkway Design Charrette Recommendations Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The City of Dallas wishes to integrate 20 design concepts into the Trinity Parkway (toll road) project. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has already approved funds for the design of the project. Staff will provide a summary of the request. Background: On April 16, 2015, the Dallas City Council authorized the City Manager to form a team of experts, including regional and State agencies and professionals from appropriate disciplines, to determine any actions that would be necessary to implement the findings of the Trinity Design Charrette. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff's recommendation is to assist the City of Dallas in this effort by using previously approved funds. RTC funds would be limited to incorporating the Charrette recommendations as part of a staged construction of the Trinity Parkway as described in Federal Highway Administration's Record of Decision. The City of Dallas, the North Texas Tollway Authority, or the North Central Texas Council of Governments, as the RTC's fiduciary agent, could procure the professional disciplines necessary to develop the multi-disciplinary team. Due to existing policy, any funds advanced for this purpose would be required to be repaid by the entity that implements the Trinity Parkway
House Bill 20 Implementation Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council will receive information on House Bill (HB) 20. Background: The 84th session of the Texas Legislature adjourned on June 1, 2015, during which it approved HB 20 by Representative Ron Simmons relating to the operations of and transportation planning and expenditures by the Texas Department of Transportation and planning organizations. A summary of the bill is provided as Electronic Item 10.
Mobility 2040 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Work is underway on the region’s next long-range transportation plan. Staff will present a series of questions related to different approaches to address toll, roadway, and transit projects for consideration in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Staff will seek policy direction from the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the determination of best approaches to address the needs of 10.7 million persons. Background: One of the primary responsibilities of the Metropolitan Planning Organization is the development and maintenance of a metropolitan transportation plan. The last comprehensive update of the MTP occurred in 2011 with the adoption of Mobility 2035. Since then, Mobility 2035 has gone through two revisions, an update in 2013 and an amendment in 2014. Staff has initiated the development of a new MTP, Mobility 2040. This plan will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives. Development will continue over the next 12 months with draft recommendations expected later this year. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2040 in March of 2016.
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 is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 10, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of July 9, 2015, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Mark Riley, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the July 9, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. 2015 Federal Transit Administration Programs Call for Projects: Project Recommendations Presenter: Jamie Patel, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the 2015 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Programs Call for Projects funding recommendations will be requested. Background: Last month, staff presented the projects received through the 2015 FTA Programs Call for Projects, which closed on April 10, 2015. The projects and recommended funding levels were presented at three public meetings held July 13 - 16, 2015. Staff is requesting approval to award five projects for approximately $4.4 million in federal funding from the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (§5310) and Urbanized Area Formula Program (§5307) for Job Access/Reverse Commute (JA/RC) projects. Electronic Item 2.1.1 contains additional summary information. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee has recommended RTC approval of the project recommendations contained in Reference Item 2.1.2. Staff presented recommendations to the RTC for information at its July 9, 2015, meeting.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Option to Receive Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Meeting Packets by E-mail Only (Request to aleger@nctcog.org) 2. Texoma Area Paratransit System Status (possible action) 3. Status on Federal Transportation Legislation 4. Proposition 1 Allocations Dallas District Fort Worth District FY2015-$238.59M FY2015-$129.04M FY2016-$175.98M FY2016-$92.12M FY2017-$173.24M FY2017-$90.67M 5.RTC New Member Orientation Schedule Options (Handout) August 21, 9:30 am - 11:30 am September 4, 9:30 am - 11:30 am September 10, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (RTC Meeting Day) Open to all RTC Members (Reply to vpruitt-jenkins@nctcog.org) 6. Livestreaming of Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Meetings, September 1, 2015 7. July Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.1) 8. Mobility Matters (Handout) 9. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.2) 10. National Drive Electric Week, September 19 (Electronic Item 3.3) 11. City of Irving's 2015 Transportation and Water Summit, August 18 - 19 12. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.4) 13.Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.5) 14. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.6) 15. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.7) 16. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Proposed Regional Transportation Council Air Quality and Management/Operations Programs and Projects: Response to New Air Quality Conformity Initiatives Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek Council approval for the following: 1) extending existing and developing new Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Air Quality and Management/ Operations projects and programs, and 2) a partnership with Denton County to identify Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funds for regional projects. Background: As development of the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) begins, staff is reviewing the RTC’s ongoing air quality and management/operations programs and projects. A determination is needed regarding which projects should be continued and any new programs/projects of this nature that should be considered for inclusion in the new TIP. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff has evaluated the list of existing management and operations, NCTCOG-implemented, and regional air quality programs, and is recommending the extension of many of these programs into the fiscal years 2015-2018 timeframe. Reference Item 4.1 contains a recommended project list for consideration. Staff will also request Council approval of a partnership involving Denton County RTR and Proposition 1 funds that will provide an additional funding source for these projects. NCTCOG staff welcomes discussion with Collin and Dallas Counties regarding the development of a possible RTR/Proposition 1 partnership in those areas as well. Details regarding the overall program are available in Electronic Item 4.2.
Formalization of the Regional Transit Vehicle Loaner Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the proposed Regional Transit Vehicle Loaner Program and request Regional Transportation Council approval to formalize the program. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has served as a designated recipient for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds since 2003. NCTCOG is responsible for applying for and managing FTA funds on behalf of small transit providers throughout the region. Since 2009, NCTCOG has competitively procured transit vehicles on behalf of these transit providers in order to reduce the administrative burden and lower costs via economies of scale. As the first group of vehicles procured by NCTCOG are replaced and no longer needed for service, there is an opportunity to loan the old vehicles out to other agencies that have a need. Staff has been working to develop a Regional Transit Vehicle Loaner Program and will request Regional Transportation Council approval in order to formalize the program. A presentation is provided in Reference Item 5.1 and correspondence to the Federal Transit Administration is included as Electronic Item 5.2.
Recognition of Federal Loan for IH 35E and Inclusion in the Transportation Improvement Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: ChristieGotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be asked to recognize the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) anticipated receipt of the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program loan that has been pending since 2012 and approve the incorporation of the $285 million in TIFIA funds into the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Background: In 2013, TxDOT executed a design-build contract for the IH 35E project from US 380 to IH 635. The RTC approved funding for the baseline project, as well as for several optional improvements. The funding plan for the project assumed that TxDOT would receive a TIFIA Program loan from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Over the last few years, TxDOT and FHWA have negotiated terms of the loan culminating in a pending approval by the federal government. In order to finalize the TIFIA Program loan, FHWA has requested that the TIP listings for the subject project be amended to reflect TIFIA participation. Due to the timing associated with the approval of the TIFIA Program loan (i.e., after the project has begun construction) FHWA has requested RTC acknowledgement and incorporation of the funds into the TIP. Reference Item 6.1 includes a draft resolution for RTC consideration. Electronic Item 6.2 provides additional details about the project. Two previously approved RTC resolutions are provided for historical reference as Electronic Item 6.3 and Electronic Item 6.4.
Reconfirm Support of IH 635 High Occupancy Vehicle Express Project Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 20 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Texas Department of Transportation Administration has requested the Regional Transportation Council to review its position on permitting single occupancy users to gain access to the interim high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on IH 635E from US 75 to IH 30. The reason for the item is the possible request from State legislators. Background: State representatives and senators from the IH 635E corridor may request TxDOT and/or the RTC to reassess the interim tolling position east of US 75. The project has been cleared by the Federal Highway Administration, a TxDOT contractor has been hired, and construction is underway. Electronic Item 7.1 contains a copy of a presentation the Transportation Department director presented at the request of State elected officials on July 28, 2015. Electronic Item 7.2 contains a copy of the request from TxDOT to assist in funding proposed noise walls. Electronic Item 7.3 contains a copy of the resolution previously approved by the RTC, and Reference Item 7.4 is the proposed RTC resolution.
Clean Fleets North Texas Call for Projects Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council approval to open the Clean Fleets North Texas 2015 Call for Projects (CFP) on August 17, 2015. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) intends to open the Clean Fleets North Texas 2015 CFP to provide approximately $2.5 million in grant funds for fleet projects in North Central Texas. All fleets operating in the 10-county Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) ozone nonattainment area are eligible to apply. Eligible project types include vehicle replacement, repower, retrofit, engine conversion, qualifying new purchase or installation of idle reduction technologies. Funded activities will improve air quality by addressing three of the seven air quality emphasis areas: high-emitting vehicles, idling, and energy/fuel consumption. This CFP is funded through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Supplemental Environmental Project program. This initiative is an extension of clean vehicle efforts listed as weight of evidence in the DFW recent eight-hour Attainment Demonstration document. Reference Item 8 provides additional details.
Assistance to the City of Dallas and North Texas Tollway Authority Related to the Trinity Parkway Design Charrette Recommendations Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The City of Dallas wishes to integrate 20 design concepts into the Trinity Parkway (toll road) project. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has already approved funds for the design of the project. Staff will provide a summary of the request. Background: On April 16, 2015, the Dallas City Council authorized the City Manager to form a team of experts, including regional and State agencies and professionals from appropriate disciplines, to determine any actions that would be necessary to implement the findings of the Trinity Design Charrette. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff's recommendation is to assist the City of Dallas in this effort by using previously approved funds. RTC funds would be limited to incorporating the Charrette recommendations as part of a staged construction of the Trinity Parkway as described in Federal Highway Administration's Record of Decision. The City of Dallas, the North Texas Tollway Authority, or the North Central Texas Council of Governments, as the RTC's fiduciary agent, could procure the professional disciplines necessary to develop the multi-disciplinary team. Due to existing policy, any funds advanced for this purpose would be required to be repaid by the entity that implements the Trinity Parkway
House Bill 20 Implementation Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council will receive information on House Bill (HB) 20. Background: The 84th session of the Texas Legislature adjourned on June 1, 2015, during which it approved HB 20 by Representative Ron Simmons relating to the operations of and transportation planning and expenditures by the Texas Department of Transportation and planning organizations. A summary of the bill is provided as Electronic Item 10.
Mobility 2040 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Work is underway on the region’s next long-range transportation plan. Staff will present a series of questions related to different approaches to address toll, roadway, and transit projects for consideration in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). Staff will seek policy direction from the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the determination of best approaches to address the needs of 10.7 million persons. Background: One of the primary responsibilities of the Metropolitan Planning Organization is the development and maintenance of a metropolitan transportation plan. The last comprehensive update of the MTP occurred in 2011 with the adoption of Mobility 2035. Since then, Mobility 2035 has gone through two revisions, an update in 2013 and an amendment in 2014. Staff has initiated the development of a new MTP, Mobility 2040. This plan will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives. Development will continue over the next 12 months with draft recommendations expected later this year. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2040 in March of 2016.
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 is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 10, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.