Approval of July 14, 2016, Minutes - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the July 14, 2016, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
2.1. Federal Rulemaking Update Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the National Performance Management Measures, Reference Item 2.1.1, and the NPRM for Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform, Reference Item 2.1.2, are provided to the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) for approval. Additional information can be found in Electronic Item 2.1.3. Background: On July 14, 2016, the RTC was provided with a summary and draft comments on the NPRM for the National Performance Management Measures and the NPRM for Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform. The National Performance Management Measures NPRM establishes a set of performance measures for states and metropolitan planning organizations to use to assess National Highway System performance, freight movement on the Interstate System, and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. Comments are due to the United States Department of Transportation by August 20, 2016. In addition, the NPRM for Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform proposes revisions to transportation planning regulations to promote more effective regional planning by states and metropolitan planning organizations. Comments are due August 26, 2016.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Agenda Item 6a Tabled from the July 14, 2016, Meeting and New Agenda Item 6b and Item 7 2. China Academy of Transportation Sciences/Regional Transportation Council Partnership in Support of the United States Department of Transportation (Electronic Item 3.1) 3. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 4. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 5. Upcoming Clean Vehicle Events and Workshop (Electronic Item 3.4) 6. Letter from Texas Good Roads (Electronic Item 3.5) 7. Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for Longterm Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) Grant Update 8. Joining Forces (Regional Planning Study for Military Bases) Public Meetings, August 23-30, 2016 9. High-Speed Rail Follow-up 10.Blue Green Gray Partnership Program: Irving Summit, August 16-17, Irving Convention Center: Opportunity for New Ideas 11.Mobility Matters (Handout) 12.Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.6) 13.Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.7) 14.Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.8) 15. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal Update for Fiscal Years 2017-2019 - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff requests approval of a 25 percent Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation Goal for FY2017-FY2019 for United States Department of Transportation contracting opportunities. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is required by the Federal Transit Administration to revisit its DBE Participation Goal every three years. The current DBE Participation Goal is valid until September 30, 2016. Staff followed a schedule to meet this deadline that provided opportunity for public participation and comment. Three public meetings and a consultant/vendor open house were held to solicit comments on the proposed goal. Several comments and questions were received which sought clarification or were positive in nature. No negative comments were received. Staff is recommending a 25 percent DBE Participation Goal for FY2017-FY2019. Contingent on Regional Transportation Council approval, the updated DBE goals are anticipated to be presented to the NCTCOG Executive Board for approval on August 25, 2016. Reference Item 4 includes additional details.
Transportation for Elected Officials to The BigX Events: Police Training - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 5 Presenters: Lee Kleinman, Councilmember, City of Dallas and Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: A request for Regional Transportation Council (RTC) support of funding to provide transit services for elected officials to The BigX events will be requested. City, county, state, and national leaders can witness the type of natural or man-made events first responders address and their responses. Background: Elected official support of the region's police and first responders is being requested. First responders train for a wide array of emergency situations. These training events will occur later this fall. With the loss of life of four Dallas officers and one DART police member, this initiative would demonstrate support by elected officials for our "Men in Blue." The requested funding will be used to provide transit services by the transportation authorities to these events for city, county, state, and federal elected officials. This action would approve the RTC to reimburse transportation authorities for providing transit services during a portion of this multi-day event through the use of RTC Local funds for less than $25,000.
Proposed Resolution to the Texas Transportation Commission Requesting Changes to the Draft Unified Transportation Program (tabled from last month) - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: This item was tabled at the July 14, 2016, Regional Transportation Council meeting. Staff's recommendations is that the item remain tabled. Background: N/A 6b. Comments to the Texas Transportation Commission Regarding Changes to the Draft Unified Transportation Program ? Action - Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will highlight additional information regarding the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) draft proposal on new funding levels for the next ten years. Staff will also request the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) provide a letter to the Texas Transportation Commission, included in Reference Item 6.1, supporting the Governor's Texas Clear Lanes program. Background: RTC Chair Ron Jensen was able to reintroduce the RTC to the Texas Transportation Commission at its July meeting. The Texas Department of Transportation has a draft proposal on new funding levels for the next ten years through its Unified Transportation Program. The Regional Transportation Council was briefed on this item at its July 14, 2016, meeting and tabled action on a draft resolution, but requested staff to seek clarification from TxDOT related to questions that arose during the July meeting. Electronic Item 6.2 contains background information related to information that was provided at the July 2016 RTC meeting, as well as information that has been developed since that time.
Chairman Nichols Support Letter - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed regarding current efforts of Chairman Nichols on protecting transportation tools and other transportation funding efforts. Staff will request approval for the RTC to send correspondence thanking him for his work. Reference Item 7.1 contains a draft letter to Chairman Nichols. Background: Senator Nichols is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and has been a driving force behind transportation improvements such as the passage of Proposition 1 and Proposition 7. Chairman Nichols is currently working on an initiative to protect the use of funding options such as toll roads and managed lanes. Chairman Nichols has also provided comments to the Texas Transportation Commission related to the draft Unified Transportation Program, which is included as Electronic Item 7.2. In addition, the Senate Transportation Committee is monitoring the progress of implementing HB 20 related to performance-based planning for metropolitan planning organizations and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Recommended Marketing Efforts for DFW Connector Pilot Program - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 15 Presenters: Ken Kirkpatrick, Mindy Mize, and Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: This Item is a follow up to the TollTag Marketing and Next Steps on DFW Connector Workshop held prior to the full Regional Transportation Council (RTC) meeting. Staff is recommending a slate of marketing efforts as part of the DFW Connector Pilot Program to increase TollTag usage. Funding in the amount of $300,000 is requested to implement these initiatives. Background: In 2014, the RTC initiated a pilot in the DFW Connector corridor where the pay-by-mail or ZipCash surcharge would be increased over time from a base of 50 percent to 90 percent of the underlying toll charge. The purpose of the pilot is to test strategies to increase TollTag usage and to apply lessons learned in the IH 35W corridor, where TxDOT bears the toll collection risk. Staff has been coordinating with NTTA to develop a slate of marketing efforts that target high pay-by-mail/ZipCash users in the DFW Connector corridor. Reference Item 8 contains additional information about the recommended strategies and estimated costs of each. Public comments will be sought and included in the communication program.
Regional 10-Year Plan/Priorities: Response to HB 20 - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Christie Gotti and Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will introduce and initiate discussions with the Council regarding the next increment of regional priorities covering FY2017-FY2027, as the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s response to the House Bill 20 10-year planning requirement. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has a rich history of setting priorities and plans in advance, and working toward implementation of those plans. Starting in 2004, the RTC and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began sharing project selection authority for Category 2 – Metro Corridor funding. At that time, the RTC developed consensus on the list of major roadway projects to be implemented over the next 10 years. In the intervening years, the RTC has worked toward the funding and completion of the projects identified in that “10-Year Map.” Staff has reviewed the status of these priorities with the RTC several times since 2004, including review efforts in 2008, 2010, and 2012. The latest status of each project from the original 2004 10-year priority map is provided as Electronic Item 9.1. In 2004, Category 2 funds were received through FY2020, and traditional Category 2 funds have not been received since that time (though some Proposition 1 funds were placed into Category 2 for ease of implementation). Now, the Texas Transportation Commission is proposing to allocate new Category 2 funds in FY2017-FY2027, along with additional Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 allocations, which will be partially placed into the Category 2 funding allocation. At the same time, House Bill 20 requires that regions develop a 10-year plan identifying major projects to be implemented over that time span. Given the availability of funds in FY2017-FY2027 and the fact that the Transportation Conformity of Mobility 2040 identifies projects to be implemented in 2017-2027 network, staff proposes to establish a 10-year timeframe starting in FY2017 and ending in FY2027. Through this item, staff will introduce this initiative and outline a draft process and timeline for responding to the House Bill 20 requirements. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 9.2.
Status of 2016 Transportation Conformity and Recommended Designations for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the status of the 2016 Transportation Conformity and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) list of counties recommended to be designated nonattainment for the 2015 eight-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). Background: On March 10, 2016, the RTC approved the 2016 Transportation Conformity and reconfirmed the analysis on June 16, 2016. The region was anticipating a United States Department of Transportation determination by the end of June 2016. On October 1, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule for the 2015 eight-hour ozone NAAQS, ?70 parts per billion. As a requirement of the final rule, states have until October 2016 to submit recommended county nonattainment designations to the EPA. TCEQ is recommending the addition of Hood County to the existing ten-county nonattainment area in the North Central Texas region. By October 2017, the EPA will finalize counties designated as nonattainment. TCEQ’s recommendations, approved by the Commission on August 3, 2016, are provided in Electronic Item 10.1. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 10.2.
11. Progress Reports - Action - Possible Action - Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 11.1) • STTC Minutes and Attendance (Electronic Item 11.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 11.3) 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 is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 8, 2016, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of July 14, 2016, Minutes - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the July 14, 2016, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
2.1. Federal Rulemaking Update Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the National Performance Management Measures, Reference Item 2.1.1, and the NPRM for Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform, Reference Item 2.1.2, are provided to the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) for approval. Additional information can be found in Electronic Item 2.1.3. Background: On July 14, 2016, the RTC was provided with a summary and draft comments on the NPRM for the National Performance Management Measures and the NPRM for Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform. The National Performance Management Measures NPRM establishes a set of performance measures for states and metropolitan planning organizations to use to assess National Highway System performance, freight movement on the Interstate System, and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. Comments are due to the United States Department of Transportation by August 20, 2016. In addition, the NPRM for Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform proposes revisions to transportation planning regulations to promote more effective regional planning by states and metropolitan planning organizations. Comments are due August 26, 2016.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Agenda Item 6a Tabled from the July 14, 2016, Meeting and New Agenda Item 6b and Item 7 2. China Academy of Transportation Sciences/Regional Transportation Council Partnership in Support of the United States Department of Transportation (Electronic Item 3.1) 3. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 4. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 5. Upcoming Clean Vehicle Events and Workshop (Electronic Item 3.4) 6. Letter from Texas Good Roads (Electronic Item 3.5) 7. Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for Longterm Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) Grant Update 8. Joining Forces (Regional Planning Study for Military Bases) Public Meetings, August 23-30, 2016 9. High-Speed Rail Follow-up 10.Blue Green Gray Partnership Program: Irving Summit, August 16-17, Irving Convention Center: Opportunity for New Ideas 11.Mobility Matters (Handout) 12.Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.6) 13.Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.7) 14.Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.8) 15. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal Update for Fiscal Years 2017-2019 - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Ken Kirkpatrick, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff requests approval of a 25 percent Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation Goal for FY2017-FY2019 for United States Department of Transportation contracting opportunities. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is required by the Federal Transit Administration to revisit its DBE Participation Goal every three years. The current DBE Participation Goal is valid until September 30, 2016. Staff followed a schedule to meet this deadline that provided opportunity for public participation and comment. Three public meetings and a consultant/vendor open house were held to solicit comments on the proposed goal. Several comments and questions were received which sought clarification or were positive in nature. No negative comments were received. Staff is recommending a 25 percent DBE Participation Goal for FY2017-FY2019. Contingent on Regional Transportation Council approval, the updated DBE goals are anticipated to be presented to the NCTCOG Executive Board for approval on August 25, 2016. Reference Item 4 includes additional details.
Transportation for Elected Officials to The BigX Events: Police Training - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 5 Presenters: Lee Kleinman, Councilmember, City of Dallas and Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: A request for Regional Transportation Council (RTC) support of funding to provide transit services for elected officials to The BigX events will be requested. City, county, state, and national leaders can witness the type of natural or man-made events first responders address and their responses. Background: Elected official support of the region's police and first responders is being requested. First responders train for a wide array of emergency situations. These training events will occur later this fall. With the loss of life of four Dallas officers and one DART police member, this initiative would demonstrate support by elected officials for our "Men in Blue." The requested funding will be used to provide transit services by the transportation authorities to these events for city, county, state, and federal elected officials. This action would approve the RTC to reimburse transportation authorities for providing transit services during a portion of this multi-day event through the use of RTC Local funds for less than $25,000.
Proposed Resolution to the Texas Transportation Commission Requesting Changes to the Draft Unified Transportation Program (tabled from last month) - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: This item was tabled at the July 14, 2016, Regional Transportation Council meeting. Staff's recommendations is that the item remain tabled. Background: N/A 6b. Comments to the Texas Transportation Commission Regarding Changes to the Draft Unified Transportation Program ? Action - Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will highlight additional information regarding the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) draft proposal on new funding levels for the next ten years. Staff will also request the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) provide a letter to the Texas Transportation Commission, included in Reference Item 6.1, supporting the Governor's Texas Clear Lanes program. Background: RTC Chair Ron Jensen was able to reintroduce the RTC to the Texas Transportation Commission at its July meeting. The Texas Department of Transportation has a draft proposal on new funding levels for the next ten years through its Unified Transportation Program. The Regional Transportation Council was briefed on this item at its July 14, 2016, meeting and tabled action on a draft resolution, but requested staff to seek clarification from TxDOT related to questions that arose during the July meeting. Electronic Item 6.2 contains background information related to information that was provided at the July 2016 RTC meeting, as well as information that has been developed since that time.
Chairman Nichols Support Letter - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be briefed regarding current efforts of Chairman Nichols on protecting transportation tools and other transportation funding efforts. Staff will request approval for the RTC to send correspondence thanking him for his work. Reference Item 7.1 contains a draft letter to Chairman Nichols. Background: Senator Nichols is Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and has been a driving force behind transportation improvements such as the passage of Proposition 1 and Proposition 7. Chairman Nichols is currently working on an initiative to protect the use of funding options such as toll roads and managed lanes. Chairman Nichols has also provided comments to the Texas Transportation Commission related to the draft Unified Transportation Program, which is included as Electronic Item 7.2. In addition, the Senate Transportation Committee is monitoring the progress of implementing HB 20 related to performance-based planning for metropolitan planning organizations and the Texas Department of Transportation.
Recommended Marketing Efforts for DFW Connector Pilot Program - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 15 Presenters: Ken Kirkpatrick, Mindy Mize, and Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: This Item is a follow up to the TollTag Marketing and Next Steps on DFW Connector Workshop held prior to the full Regional Transportation Council (RTC) meeting. Staff is recommending a slate of marketing efforts as part of the DFW Connector Pilot Program to increase TollTag usage. Funding in the amount of $300,000 is requested to implement these initiatives. Background: In 2014, the RTC initiated a pilot in the DFW Connector corridor where the pay-by-mail or ZipCash surcharge would be increased over time from a base of 50 percent to 90 percent of the underlying toll charge. The purpose of the pilot is to test strategies to increase TollTag usage and to apply lessons learned in the IH 35W corridor, where TxDOT bears the toll collection risk. Staff has been coordinating with NTTA to develop a slate of marketing efforts that target high pay-by-mail/ZipCash users in the DFW Connector corridor. Reference Item 8 contains additional information about the recommended strategies and estimated costs of each. Public comments will be sought and included in the communication program.
Regional 10-Year Plan/Priorities: Response to HB 20 - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Christie Gotti and Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will introduce and initiate discussions with the Council regarding the next increment of regional priorities covering FY2017-FY2027, as the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s response to the House Bill 20 10-year planning requirement. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has a rich history of setting priorities and plans in advance, and working toward implementation of those plans. Starting in 2004, the RTC and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began sharing project selection authority for Category 2 – Metro Corridor funding. At that time, the RTC developed consensus on the list of major roadway projects to be implemented over the next 10 years. In the intervening years, the RTC has worked toward the funding and completion of the projects identified in that “10-Year Map.” Staff has reviewed the status of these priorities with the RTC several times since 2004, including review efforts in 2008, 2010, and 2012. The latest status of each project from the original 2004 10-year priority map is provided as Electronic Item 9.1. In 2004, Category 2 funds were received through FY2020, and traditional Category 2 funds have not been received since that time (though some Proposition 1 funds were placed into Category 2 for ease of implementation). Now, the Texas Transportation Commission is proposing to allocate new Category 2 funds in FY2017-FY2027, along with additional Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 allocations, which will be partially placed into the Category 2 funding allocation. At the same time, House Bill 20 requires that regions develop a 10-year plan identifying major projects to be implemented over that time span. Given the availability of funds in FY2017-FY2027 and the fact that the Transportation Conformity of Mobility 2040 identifies projects to be implemented in 2017-2027 network, staff proposes to establish a 10-year timeframe starting in FY2017 and ending in FY2027. Through this item, staff will introduce this initiative and outline a draft process and timeline for responding to the House Bill 20 requirements. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 9.2.
Status of 2016 Transportation Conformity and Recommended Designations for the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard - Action - Possible Action - Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will update the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the status of the 2016 Transportation Conformity and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) list of counties recommended to be designated nonattainment for the 2015 eight-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). Background: On March 10, 2016, the RTC approved the 2016 Transportation Conformity and reconfirmed the analysis on June 16, 2016. The region was anticipating a United States Department of Transportation determination by the end of June 2016. On October 1, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule for the 2015 eight-hour ozone NAAQS, ?70 parts per billion. As a requirement of the final rule, states have until October 2016 to submit recommended county nonattainment designations to the EPA. TCEQ is recommending the addition of Hood County to the existing ten-county nonattainment area in the North Central Texas region. By October 2017, the EPA will finalize counties designated as nonattainment. TCEQ’s recommendations, approved by the Commission on August 3, 2016, are provided in Electronic Item 10.1. Additional details are provided in Electronic Item 10.2.
11. Progress Reports - Action - Possible Action - Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 11.1) • STTC Minutes and Attendance (Electronic Item 11.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 11.3) 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 is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 8, 2016, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.