Approval of August 13, 2015, Minutes ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Mark Riley, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 13, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Advertising for Transportation Initiatives Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek the Council’s recommendation to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board for approval of approximately $817,000 in new funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 transportation advertising initiatives. Background: Since 2014, the NCTCOG Executive Board has been authorizing large scale advertising purchase and placement initiatives annually for the Transportation Department. Reference Item 2.1.1 explains the benefits of this initiative and showcases cost savings obtained from bulk advertising purchasing. Reference Item 2.1.2 provides more information on FY2016 advertising costs including carry-over and the new funding request amounts, along with examples of past advertising. Advertising campaigns will support AirCheckTexas, Bike/Pedestrian Safety, Congestion Demand Management, Notifications of Opportunities for Public Input/Public Meetings, Ozone Season Emissions Reduction Campaign, and Vehicle Technologies Program. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended Regional Transportation Council approval.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Livestreaming of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Meeting 2. Recognition of Danny Scarth for Service on the RTC 3. RTC New Member Orientation Held on September 4: Video available at http://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/rtc/video.asp Under the Other Workshops and Meetings Tab 4. September Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.1) 5. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 7. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.4) (Handout) 8. AirCheckTexas Replacement Relaunch (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. Clean Cities Annual Report Results (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. National Drive Electric Week Event, September 19 (Electronic Item 3.7) (Handout) 11. Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) PlanWorks Funding Award 12. Texas Transportation Institute 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard (Electronic Item 3.8) 13. Travel Demand Management Performance Measures (Electronic Item 3.9) 14. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 15. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 16. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 17. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Statewide Proposition 7 Position Statement ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed on Proposition 7, the proposed constitutional amendment for transportation funding that will appear on the November 3, 2015, ballot for voter approval. The RTC will be asked to take action on Reference Item 4.1, a position statement supporting statewide Proposition 7. Additional information can be found in Electronic Item 4.2. Background: The 84th session of the Texas Legislature adjourned on June 1, 2015, during which SJR 5 was approved. SJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment that could result in $2.5 billion per year for the State Highway Fund beginning in September 2017, as well as direct a portion of the motor vehicle sales tax to go toward transportation beginning in September 2019.
Collin County Funding Partnership Proposal ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to enter into a funding partnership with Collin County. Background: Collin County took measures to opt out of the Low-Income Repair and Replacement Assistance Program/Local Initiative Projects (LIRAP/LIP) last year when program funding continued to be severely restricted. However, lengthy rulemaking processes have delayed its withdrawal from the programs. Since the 84th Texas Legislature restored full funding to the programs, Collin County suspended its withdrawal from LIRAP/LIP, but remains concerned about fully utilizing its portion of the funds. Staff will brief the Council on a proposed partnership with Collin County to exchange LIRAP/LIP funds for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds so the nonattainment area is able to fully utilize all available revenue to the region. Staff is recommending exchanging $1.5 million of LIRAP/LIP funds for CMAQ funds. Collin County will use the CMAQ funds for various air quality projects and the LIRAP/LIP funds will be shared among other participating counties for eligible air quality initiatives. The RTC needs to approve all CMAQ projects with a demonstrated air quality benefit. Last month the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended RTC approval. Reference Item 5 provides additional details.
Creation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Revolver Fund and Partnership with Dallas County ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Council on the latest activities regarding the “Category 4: Sell Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)” initiative. In addition, staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of a funding partnership with Dallas County to create an MPO Revolver Fund. Background: An MPO Revolver Fund is needed to provide cash flow for regional programs and projects that are funded with federal dollars. TxDOT’s rules permit the transfer of TDCs to another MPO or to the Texas Transportation Commission (43 Texas Administrative Code §5.111), which allows local funds to be freed up to create an MPO Revolver Fund. In July 2013, the RTC allocated 150 million, of the total 465 million TDCs, to transfer to TxDOT and other MPOs. As part of this effort, staff began negotiations with those agencies, which has resulted in a partnership proposal with TxDOT and Dallas County. A sale to other MPOs is not likely to occur as other MPOs have not shown interest in the program. In June 2014, the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) approved the transfer of 100 million TDCs for a $10 million MPO Revolver Fund. As part of this action, the TTC set aside $10 million in Category 12 funds that can be used to free up local funds for the MPO Revolver Fund. Staff briefed the RTC at the July 2014 meeting regarding TxDOT’s action, and the concept was taken out to the public for review and comment. Over the last year, NCTCOG, TxDOT and Dallas County have inventoried Dallas County projects, in which Category 12 funds can be used, and local funds can be transferred to the RTC for the Revolver Fund. Reference Item 6 contains additional details on this effort and on the projects identified for the exchange with Dallas County.
Proposition 1 – Phase 2 Draft Listings (Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017) ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the latest developments regarding Proposition 1 – Phase 2 and present draft project listings. 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 received approximately $367.6 million funds in year one, and it is anticipated to receive $268.1 million in year two and $263.91 million in year three. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) selected year one projects in February 2015. Since that time, TxDOT and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staffs have collaborated to develop a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 projects for Fiscal Years (FY) 2016-2018. Eligible projects include engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of traditional roadways, excluding toll roads. NCTCOG staff will present a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 – Phase 2 projects at public meetings in September 2015. Electronic Item 7 is the inventory of proposed Proposition 1 projects with recommended projects in FY2016 and FY2017.
High-Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy Report ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Natalie Bettger, 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.
DFW Connector Pilot Study Update ? 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.
Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery School Siting Program ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present information on the Community Schools and Transportation Program funded through the 2014 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) planning grant. Staff will be hosting a workshop in October to include Regional Transportation Council (RTC) members, independent school district (ISD) superintendents, and school board members. Background: The US Department of Transportation awarded the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) a TIGER planning grant in 2014 to promote improved coordination between school districts, local governments, and transportation agencies and to assist with implementing portions of the RTC School Policy. NCTCOG has created the Community Schools and Transportation Program that will focus on the creation of a regional working group, best practice research on school siting, and implementation of pilot projects related to transportation safety and multimodal transportation connections. All school types will be included.
Managed Lane Auto-Occupancy Verification Procurement ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed on the status of the joint Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)/RTC auto-occupancy verification procurement for managed lane corridors. Background: The RTC’s Tolled Managed Lane Policies provide for discount for high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) of 50 percent during the peak periods. The occupancy requirement for the discount is two or more occupants (2+) and may go to three or more occupants (3+) on or after June 1, 2016, as determined by the RTC. The policy is enforced manually with technology support, but provides that over time more advanced technology verification will be phased in. To that end TxDOT, working in coordination with RTC staff, has initiated a procurement to acquire a technology solution to provide automated vehicle occupancy verification in order to receive the HOV discount (2+ or 3+).
12. Update on Southern Gateway, IH 635E, US 75, and Texas Department of Transportation Dallas CityMAP Initiative ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the latest thinking regarding the Southern Gateway, IH 635E, and US 75 project in Collin County. In addition, staff will present certain mobility ideas that cannot yet be included in the Mobility Plan process. Background: The Regional Transportation Council will be briefed on the latest status of priority funding projects in the eastern subregion. These initiatives are on the upcoming November Proposition 7 referendum and Texas Transportation Commission policy. 13. Progress Reports ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. ? RTC Attendance (Reference Item 13.1) ? STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 13.2) ? Local Motion (Electronic Item 13.3) 14. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 15. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 8, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of August 13, 2015, Minutes ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Mark Riley, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 13, 2015, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Advertising for Transportation Initiatives Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek the Council’s recommendation to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board for approval of approximately $817,000 in new funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 transportation advertising initiatives. Background: Since 2014, the NCTCOG Executive Board has been authorizing large scale advertising purchase and placement initiatives annually for the Transportation Department. Reference Item 2.1.1 explains the benefits of this initiative and showcases cost savings obtained from bulk advertising purchasing. Reference Item 2.1.2 provides more information on FY2016 advertising costs including carry-over and the new funding request amounts, along with examples of past advertising. Advertising campaigns will support AirCheckTexas, Bike/Pedestrian Safety, Congestion Demand Management, Notifications of Opportunities for Public Input/Public Meetings, Ozone Season Emissions Reduction Campaign, and Vehicle Technologies Program. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended Regional Transportation Council approval.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Livestreaming of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Meeting 2. Recognition of Danny Scarth for Service on the RTC 3. RTC New Member Orientation Held on September 4: Video available at http://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/rtc/video.asp Under the Other Workshops and Meetings Tab 4. September Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.1) 5. Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 7. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.4) (Handout) 8. AirCheckTexas Replacement Relaunch (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. Clean Cities Annual Report Results (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. National Drive Electric Week Event, September 19 (Electronic Item 3.7) (Handout) 11. Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) PlanWorks Funding Award 12. Texas Transportation Institute 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard (Electronic Item 3.8) 13. Travel Demand Management Performance Measures (Electronic Item 3.9) 14. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 15. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 16. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 17. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Statewide Proposition 7 Position Statement ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed on Proposition 7, the proposed constitutional amendment for transportation funding that will appear on the November 3, 2015, ballot for voter approval. The RTC will be asked to take action on Reference Item 4.1, a position statement supporting statewide Proposition 7. Additional information can be found in Electronic Item 4.2. Background: The 84th session of the Texas Legislature adjourned on June 1, 2015, during which SJR 5 was approved. SJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment that could result in $2.5 billion per year for the State Highway Fund beginning in September 2017, as well as direct a portion of the motor vehicle sales tax to go toward transportation beginning in September 2019.
Collin County Funding Partnership Proposal ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to enter into a funding partnership with Collin County. Background: Collin County took measures to opt out of the Low-Income Repair and Replacement Assistance Program/Local Initiative Projects (LIRAP/LIP) last year when program funding continued to be severely restricted. However, lengthy rulemaking processes have delayed its withdrawal from the programs. Since the 84th Texas Legislature restored full funding to the programs, Collin County suspended its withdrawal from LIRAP/LIP, but remains concerned about fully utilizing its portion of the funds. Staff will brief the Council on a proposed partnership with Collin County to exchange LIRAP/LIP funds for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds so the nonattainment area is able to fully utilize all available revenue to the region. Staff is recommending exchanging $1.5 million of LIRAP/LIP funds for CMAQ funds. Collin County will use the CMAQ funds for various air quality projects and the LIRAP/LIP funds will be shared among other participating counties for eligible air quality initiatives. The RTC needs to approve all CMAQ projects with a demonstrated air quality benefit. Last month the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended RTC approval. Reference Item 5 provides additional details.
Creation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Revolver Fund and Partnership with Dallas County ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Council on the latest activities regarding the “Category 4: Sell Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)” initiative. In addition, staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of a funding partnership with Dallas County to create an MPO Revolver Fund. Background: An MPO Revolver Fund is needed to provide cash flow for regional programs and projects that are funded with federal dollars. TxDOT’s rules permit the transfer of TDCs to another MPO or to the Texas Transportation Commission (43 Texas Administrative Code §5.111), which allows local funds to be freed up to create an MPO Revolver Fund. In July 2013, the RTC allocated 150 million, of the total 465 million TDCs, to transfer to TxDOT and other MPOs. As part of this effort, staff began negotiations with those agencies, which has resulted in a partnership proposal with TxDOT and Dallas County. A sale to other MPOs is not likely to occur as other MPOs have not shown interest in the program. In June 2014, the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) approved the transfer of 100 million TDCs for a $10 million MPO Revolver Fund. As part of this action, the TTC set aside $10 million in Category 12 funds that can be used to free up local funds for the MPO Revolver Fund. Staff briefed the RTC at the July 2014 meeting regarding TxDOT’s action, and the concept was taken out to the public for review and comment. Over the last year, NCTCOG, TxDOT and Dallas County have inventoried Dallas County projects, in which Category 12 funds can be used, and local funds can be transferred to the RTC for the Revolver Fund. Reference Item 6 contains additional details on this effort and on the projects identified for the exchange with Dallas County.
Proposition 1 – Phase 2 Draft Listings (Fiscal Years 2016 and 2017) ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the latest developments regarding Proposition 1 – Phase 2 and present draft project listings. 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 received approximately $367.6 million funds in year one, and it is anticipated to receive $268.1 million in year two and $263.91 million in year three. The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) selected year one projects in February 2015. Since that time, TxDOT and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staffs have collaborated to develop a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 projects for Fiscal Years (FY) 2016-2018. Eligible projects include engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of traditional roadways, excluding toll roads. NCTCOG staff will present a draft list of proposed Proposition 1 – Phase 2 projects at public meetings in September 2015. Electronic Item 7 is the inventory of proposed Proposition 1 projects with recommended projects in FY2016 and FY2017.
High-Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy Report ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Natalie Bettger, 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.
DFW Connector Pilot Study Update ? 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.
Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery School Siting Program ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Karla Weaver, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present information on the Community Schools and Transportation Program funded through the 2014 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) planning grant. Staff will be hosting a workshop in October to include Regional Transportation Council (RTC) members, independent school district (ISD) superintendents, and school board members. Background: The US Department of Transportation awarded the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) a TIGER planning grant in 2014 to promote improved coordination between school districts, local governments, and transportation agencies and to assist with implementing portions of the RTC School Policy. NCTCOG has created the Community Schools and Transportation Program that will focus on the creation of a regional working group, best practice research on school siting, and implementation of pilot projects related to transportation safety and multimodal transportation connections. All school types will be included.
Managed Lane Auto-Occupancy Verification Procurement ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed on the status of the joint Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)/RTC auto-occupancy verification procurement for managed lane corridors. Background: The RTC’s Tolled Managed Lane Policies provide for discount for high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs) of 50 percent during the peak periods. The occupancy requirement for the discount is two or more occupants (2+) and may go to three or more occupants (3+) on or after June 1, 2016, as determined by the RTC. The policy is enforced manually with technology support, but provides that over time more advanced technology verification will be phased in. To that end TxDOT, working in coordination with RTC staff, has initiated a procurement to acquire a technology solution to provide automated vehicle occupancy verification in order to receive the HOV discount (2+ or 3+).
12. Update on Southern Gateway, IH 635E, US 75, and Texas Department of Transportation Dallas CityMAP Initiative ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide the latest thinking regarding the Southern Gateway, IH 635E, and US 75 project in Collin County. In addition, staff will present certain mobility ideas that cannot yet be included in the Mobility Plan process. Background: The Regional Transportation Council will be briefed on the latest status of priority funding projects in the eastern subregion. These initiatives are on the upcoming November Proposition 7 referendum and Texas Transportation Commission policy. 13. Progress Reports ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. ? RTC Attendance (Reference Item 13.1) ? STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 13.2) ? Local Motion (Electronic Item 13.3) 14. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 15. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 8, 2015, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.