Approval of August 11, 2016, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 11, 2016, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Advertising for Transportation Initiatives Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of up to $1,400,000 in new funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 advertising for transportation initiatives will be requested. Background: Since 2014, the RTC and North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board have been authorizing large-scale advertising purchase and placement initiatives annually for the Transportation Department. Electronic Item 2.1.1 explains the benefits of this initiative and showcases cost savings obtained from bulk advertising purchasing for the Transportation Department. Reference Item 2.1.2 provides more information on FY 017 advertising costs along with examples of past advertising. Advertising campaigns will support AirCheckTexas, bike/pedestrian safety, Congestion Management, the Ozone Season Emissions Reduction Campaign, the Vehicle Technologies program, notifications of opportunities for public input/public meetings, procurement outreach, regional freight, 511DFW, and DFW Connector Pilot program. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended Regional Transportation Council approval. RTC approval will be used as recommendation to the NCTCOG Executive Board on September 22, 2016. 2.2. $50,000 Smart State Grant Presenter: Tom Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff requests approval for the expenditure of up to $50,000 in Regional Transportation Council Local funds to support Smart State transportation technology initiatives Background: For several years, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has been actively involved in the Texas Technology Task Force (TTTF) which was convened by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), consists of representatives from both public and private sectors, and is supported by staff at the University of Texas, Austin. TTTF has studied numerous transportation-related technologies and helped TxDOT identify those that warrant ongoing research and development. Such technologies include vehicle automation and open transportation data platforms. The City of Austin was recently a finalist in the United States Department of Transportation’s "Smart City" competition involving connected and automated vehicles. As much of this technology overlaps, these two efforts are now coming together in a Smart State initiative. Plans include efforts to jumpstart smart transportation technology deployments around the State and may include testing of transportation technologies on IH 30 between Dallas and Fort Worth, which has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as a test corridor. The requested funds will be used to support NCTCOG's role as part of a statewide coalition of public entities that will be making similar commitments to move forward with transportation technologies to improve safety and mobility.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Project Delays due to the Federal Highway Administration Conformity Review 2. BigX Event: North Central Texas Council of Governments Emergency Preparedness Department Director Molly McFadden Presentation on October 13, 2016, and Regional Transportation Council Contingency Funds 3. McKinney Federal Transit Administration Direct Recipient Status 4. Potential Transportation Alternate Program Lapse Update (Electronic Item 3.1) 5. National Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Conference in Fort Worth, October 25-28, 2016 (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. Clean Air Action Day and Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 7. Compressed Natural Gas Fuel System Inspector Training, October 4- 5, 2016 (Electronic Item 3.4) 8. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. Electronic Survey on Regional Idling Efforts (Electronic Item 3.6) 10."fleets for the future" Cooperative Procurement Grant (Electronic Item 3.7) 11.National Drive Electric Week, September 17, 2016 (Electronic Item 3.8) 12.September Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.9) 13.Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 14.Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 15.Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 16.Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Hemphill/Lamar Connector Project and Partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation and Tarrant County Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of a partnership with the City of Fort Worth, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and Tarrant County regarding the Hemphill/Lamar Connector project in Downtown Fort Worth. This partnership will likely involve other elements such as a funding exchange of federal and local funds with Tarrant County and implementation of another roadway project and a small transit project in Tarrant County. Background: TxDOT funded right-of-way (ROW) for the Hemphill/Lamar Connector project in 1988, and the project was subsequently environmentally cleared. The City of Fort Worth never utilized the TxDOT funds and instead purchased ROW using City dollars. As part of the IH 30 reconstruction project through Downtown Fort Worth, which was completed in late 2000, TxDOT funded and built three IH 30 bridges over Hemphill/Lamar to enable the future Hemphill/Lamar Connector to be built. In 2001, the RTC funded $13.7 million total for a combined project consisting of “SH 180 (Lancaster)/Hemphill/Lamar/Taylor” streets. In 2005, at the City’s request, the RTC split the single project into two separate projects: 1) Lancaster and 2) Hemphill. Later in 2005, at the City’s request, the RTC decreased funding on the Hemphill project to $682,719 total for engineering, with the rest of the money being moved to Lancaster. In 2009, the RTC defederalized the Hemphill project at the City’s request. Through this action, the federal funds were moved to another project (Golden Triangle Blvd.), and excess local funds from that project were moved onto Hemphill. The City requested this change to allow the project to proceed without going through a federal environmental process. In the meantime, the project cost has risen to a total of $50 million and the City of Fort Worth has $26.69 million available. In order to finally construct this project, staff proposes a partnership with the City of Fort Worth using its remaining funds for this project, along with an additional $3 million from Tarrant County, a TxDOT State match to any federal RTC funds placed on the project, and TxDOT waiver of direct State costs for on-system portions of the project. This month, staff will request RTC approval of the federal Surface Transportation Program – Metropolitan Mobility funds to enable the City of Fort Worth to begin executing the necessary agreements needed to construct the project. The request for approval would also direct staff to administratively amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other administrative/planning documents to add these funds. Next month, staff will bring back a larger partnership that enables greater Tarrant County participation in the funding program. It is anticipated that this partnership will include: 1) early approval of Proposition 1 funds for a needed intersection improvement(s) near SH 199 and IH 820 (see Electronic Item 4.1), 2) transit funding for a pilot transit project in Everman, Crowley, and Forest Hill, and 3) a potential federal/local funding exchange that will make local funds available for Tarrant County and RTC roadway projects. Reference Item 4.2 includes a funding table outlining each agency’s commitment to the Hemphill/Lamar Connector project. Electronic Item 4.3 contains a photo of the future connection.
Section 214/United States Army Corps of Engineers Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Sandy Wesch, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will summarize the effectiveness of the agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under Section 214 to expedite Section 404/408 permits for regionally significant transportation projects. Background: In October 2008, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the USACE initiated a $500,000 pilot program that enabled a dedicated USACE staff position to review Section 404 and 408 permits associated with regionally significant transportation projects. Due to the initial success of the pilot project, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) authorized $1.2 million of Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funds in 2011 to continue the program until December 31, 2016. In August 2015, the RTC approved an additional funding allocation of $500,000 to extend the program through FY2018. The current Transportation Improvement Program has waived the local match for this program in FY2017 and FY2018. Since the program began in 2008, 114 permit decisions have been issued through the agreement, preventing permitting delays for projects such as North Tarrant Express, DFW Connector, the Horseshoe Project, and SH 360. Benefits of the program included proven savings of time and money, as well as the preservation of the regional aquatic environment. Program participants have included local governments and transportation agencies.
High-Occupancy Vehicle/Managed Lane Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the latest managed lane high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) subsidy and performance status. 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.
Unified Transportation Program Action by the Texas Transportation Commission Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council Chair Ron Jensen, Secretary Gary Fickes, Michael Morris, and others attended the Texas Transportation Commission meeting on August 25, 2016. Staff will present information regarding action taken by the Texas Transportation Commission to approve the 2017 Unified Transportation Program. Background: With the passage of Proposition 1, Proposition 7, and new federal transportation legislation, TxDOT proposed funding allocations for the next ten years of the Unified Transportation Program and approved those allocations at the August 25, 2016, Commission meeting. These allocations could change when initial performance measures "test" the initial allocations. RTC Secretary Rob Franke requested additional information on the underlying principles under discussion. Electronic Item 7 contains additional information on this request.
Performance Measures Related to HB 20: Regional 10-Year Plan process for Informing the Unified Transportation Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will discuss the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s response to the House Bill 20 10-year planning requirement. Background: 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. RTC and TxDOT district engineers will need to approve projects. Electronic Item 8 is an example of the type of performance measure proposed in project identification.
High-Speed Rail Status: Executive Summary ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide a status update of recent progress regarding High-Speed Rail initiatives for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, including staff efforts to advance the initiatives. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has adopted regional policies guiding the development of High-Speed Rail implementation within the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Currently, three separate projects designed to serve the region are on-going. NCTCOG staff continues to coordinate with project partners to ensure the efforts are consistent with the adopted RTC High-Speed Rail policies and with all transportation partners, consultants, and the public to ensure successful High-Speed Rail service implementation. Staff will provide updates on each project proposed within the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
10. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. RTC Attendance (Reference Item 10.1) STTC Minutes and Attendance (Electronic Item 10.2) Local Motion (Electronic Item 10.3) 11. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 12. 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, October 13, 2016, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of August 11, 2016, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 11, 2016, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Advertising for Transportation Initiatives Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of up to $1,400,000 in new funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 advertising for transportation initiatives will be requested. Background: Since 2014, the RTC and North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board have been authorizing large-scale advertising purchase and placement initiatives annually for the Transportation Department. Electronic Item 2.1.1 explains the benefits of this initiative and showcases cost savings obtained from bulk advertising purchasing for the Transportation Department. Reference Item 2.1.2 provides more information on FY 017 advertising costs along with examples of past advertising. Advertising campaigns will support AirCheckTexas, bike/pedestrian safety, Congestion Management, the Ozone Season Emissions Reduction Campaign, the Vehicle Technologies program, notifications of opportunities for public input/public meetings, procurement outreach, regional freight, 511DFW, and DFW Connector Pilot program. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended Regional Transportation Council approval. RTC approval will be used as recommendation to the NCTCOG Executive Board on September 22, 2016. 2.2. $50,000 Smart State Grant Presenter: Tom Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff requests approval for the expenditure of up to $50,000 in Regional Transportation Council Local funds to support Smart State transportation technology initiatives Background: For several years, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has been actively involved in the Texas Technology Task Force (TTTF) which was convened by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), consists of representatives from both public and private sectors, and is supported by staff at the University of Texas, Austin. TTTF has studied numerous transportation-related technologies and helped TxDOT identify those that warrant ongoing research and development. Such technologies include vehicle automation and open transportation data platforms. The City of Austin was recently a finalist in the United States Department of Transportation’s "Smart City" competition involving connected and automated vehicles. As much of this technology overlaps, these two efforts are now coming together in a Smart State initiative. Plans include efforts to jumpstart smart transportation technology deployments around the State and may include testing of transportation technologies on IH 30 between Dallas and Fort Worth, which has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as a test corridor. The requested funds will be used to support NCTCOG's role as part of a statewide coalition of public entities that will be making similar commitments to move forward with transportation technologies to improve safety and mobility.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Project Delays due to the Federal Highway Administration Conformity Review 2. BigX Event: North Central Texas Council of Governments Emergency Preparedness Department Director Molly McFadden Presentation on October 13, 2016, and Regional Transportation Council Contingency Funds 3. McKinney Federal Transit Administration Direct Recipient Status 4. Potential Transportation Alternate Program Lapse Update (Electronic Item 3.1) 5. National Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Conference in Fort Worth, October 25-28, 2016 (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. Clean Air Action Day and Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.3) 7. Compressed Natural Gas Fuel System Inspector Training, October 4- 5, 2016 (Electronic Item 3.4) 8. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. Electronic Survey on Regional Idling Efforts (Electronic Item 3.6) 10."fleets for the future" Cooperative Procurement Grant (Electronic Item 3.7) 11.National Drive Electric Week, September 17, 2016 (Electronic Item 3.8) 12.September Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.9) 13.Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 14.Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 15.Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 16.Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Hemphill/Lamar Connector Project and Partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation and Tarrant County Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of a partnership with the City of Fort Worth, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and Tarrant County regarding the Hemphill/Lamar Connector project in Downtown Fort Worth. This partnership will likely involve other elements such as a funding exchange of federal and local funds with Tarrant County and implementation of another roadway project and a small transit project in Tarrant County. Background: TxDOT funded right-of-way (ROW) for the Hemphill/Lamar Connector project in 1988, and the project was subsequently environmentally cleared. The City of Fort Worth never utilized the TxDOT funds and instead purchased ROW using City dollars. As part of the IH 30 reconstruction project through Downtown Fort Worth, which was completed in late 2000, TxDOT funded and built three IH 30 bridges over Hemphill/Lamar to enable the future Hemphill/Lamar Connector to be built. In 2001, the RTC funded $13.7 million total for a combined project consisting of “SH 180 (Lancaster)/Hemphill/Lamar/Taylor” streets. In 2005, at the City’s request, the RTC split the single project into two separate projects: 1) Lancaster and 2) Hemphill. Later in 2005, at the City’s request, the RTC decreased funding on the Hemphill project to $682,719 total for engineering, with the rest of the money being moved to Lancaster. In 2009, the RTC defederalized the Hemphill project at the City’s request. Through this action, the federal funds were moved to another project (Golden Triangle Blvd.), and excess local funds from that project were moved onto Hemphill. The City requested this change to allow the project to proceed without going through a federal environmental process. In the meantime, the project cost has risen to a total of $50 million and the City of Fort Worth has $26.69 million available. In order to finally construct this project, staff proposes a partnership with the City of Fort Worth using its remaining funds for this project, along with an additional $3 million from Tarrant County, a TxDOT State match to any federal RTC funds placed on the project, and TxDOT waiver of direct State costs for on-system portions of the project. This month, staff will request RTC approval of the federal Surface Transportation Program – Metropolitan Mobility funds to enable the City of Fort Worth to begin executing the necessary agreements needed to construct the project. The request for approval would also direct staff to administratively amend the Transportation Improvement Program and other administrative/planning documents to add these funds. Next month, staff will bring back a larger partnership that enables greater Tarrant County participation in the funding program. It is anticipated that this partnership will include: 1) early approval of Proposition 1 funds for a needed intersection improvement(s) near SH 199 and IH 820 (see Electronic Item 4.1), 2) transit funding for a pilot transit project in Everman, Crowley, and Forest Hill, and 3) a potential federal/local funding exchange that will make local funds available for Tarrant County and RTC roadway projects. Reference Item 4.2 includes a funding table outlining each agency’s commitment to the Hemphill/Lamar Connector project. Electronic Item 4.3 contains a photo of the future connection.
Section 214/United States Army Corps of Engineers Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Sandy Wesch, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will summarize the effectiveness of the agreement with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under Section 214 to expedite Section 404/408 permits for regionally significant transportation projects. Background: In October 2008, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the USACE initiated a $500,000 pilot program that enabled a dedicated USACE staff position to review Section 404 and 408 permits associated with regionally significant transportation projects. Due to the initial success of the pilot project, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) authorized $1.2 million of Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funds in 2011 to continue the program until December 31, 2016. In August 2015, the RTC approved an additional funding allocation of $500,000 to extend the program through FY2018. The current Transportation Improvement Program has waived the local match for this program in FY2017 and FY2018. Since the program began in 2008, 114 permit decisions have been issued through the agreement, preventing permitting delays for projects such as North Tarrant Express, DFW Connector, the Horseshoe Project, and SH 360. Benefits of the program included proven savings of time and money, as well as the preservation of the regional aquatic environment. Program participants have included local governments and transportation agencies.
High-Occupancy Vehicle/Managed Lane Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the latest managed lane high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) subsidy and performance status. 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.
Unified Transportation Program Action by the Texas Transportation Commission Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council Chair Ron Jensen, Secretary Gary Fickes, Michael Morris, and others attended the Texas Transportation Commission meeting on August 25, 2016. Staff will present information regarding action taken by the Texas Transportation Commission to approve the 2017 Unified Transportation Program. Background: With the passage of Proposition 1, Proposition 7, and new federal transportation legislation, TxDOT proposed funding allocations for the next ten years of the Unified Transportation Program and approved those allocations at the August 25, 2016, Commission meeting. These allocations could change when initial performance measures "test" the initial allocations. RTC Secretary Rob Franke requested additional information on the underlying principles under discussion. Electronic Item 7 contains additional information on this request.
Performance Measures Related to HB 20: Regional 10-Year Plan process for Informing the Unified Transportation Program Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will discuss the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s response to the House Bill 20 10-year planning requirement. Background: 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. RTC and TxDOT district engineers will need to approve projects. Electronic Item 8 is an example of the type of performance measure proposed in project identification.
High-Speed Rail Status: Executive Summary ? Action ? Possible Action ? Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide a status update of recent progress regarding High-Speed Rail initiatives for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, including staff efforts to advance the initiatives. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has adopted regional policies guiding the development of High-Speed Rail implementation within the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Currently, three separate projects designed to serve the region are on-going. NCTCOG staff continues to coordinate with project partners to ensure the efforts are consistent with the adopted RTC High-Speed Rail policies and with all transportation partners, consultants, and the public to ensure successful High-Speed Rail service implementation. Staff will provide updates on each project proposed within the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
10. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. RTC Attendance (Reference Item 10.1) STTC Minutes and Attendance (Electronic Item 10.2) Local Motion (Electronic Item 10.3) 11. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 12. 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, October 13, 2016, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.