Approval of December 8, 2016, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the December 8, 2016, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested. Background: February 2017 revisions to the 2017-2020 TIP are provided as Reference Item 2.1 for the Council’s consideration. Modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the TIP.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Texas Department of Transportation 100 Year Anniversary 2. February 2, 2017, Automated Vehicle Roundtable and Demonstration 3. Congratulations to the Fort Worth Transportation Authority for Receipt of the Full Funding Grant Agreement for the TEXRail Project: Interim Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Loan was Not Needed 4. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.1) 5. December Online Public Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. RTC Legislative Program (Handout) 7. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.3) 8. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.4) 9. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.5) 10. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Endorsement of High-Speed Rail Environmental Backstop Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is conducting the High-Speed Rail Environmental Impact Study using American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funds expiring on September 30, 2017. This item endorses the use of transportation funds to backstop ARRA funding if this funding source is not available to complete the Record of Decision. Background: Staff has discussed this contingency with the Regional Transportation Council throughout 2016. If Congress does not extend this eligibility, it is likely the environmental document will not be completed in time. Reference Item 4 is a copy of a letter already transmitted to TxDOT. This action is to endorse this commitment using Surface Transportation Program funds of approximately $3 million. It is possible these funds may not be needed and if needed, will be significantly less than requested.
Partnership with Workforce Development Agencies in Training for Drivers Replaced by Advanced Technology Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Councilmember Lee M. Kleinman, City of Dallas, has requested this topic be placed on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) agenda for discussion. Possible action would be to give staff direction on possible next steps. Background: Vehicle technology is advancing that may result in the replacement of certified transit bus operators and truck drivers with commercial drivers' licenses. These employees could be replaced with lower qualified “pilots” or eliminated completely. Similar to previous North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) work with the aviation industry regarding airplane pilots, aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers, this item would initiate a conversation and advance a needs assessment that evaluates changes in these industries and possible implications to these employees. It is likely this initiative could be part of a larger coalition of other interested parties. It is anticipated that the RTC would engage the NCTCOG Workforce Development Board and companion boards of Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
High-Speed Rail Status Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update of recent progress regarding highspeed rail 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 ongoing. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff continues to coordinate with project partners to ensure the efforts are consistent with the adopted RTC highspeed rail policies and with all transportation partners, consultants, and the public to ensure successful high-speed rail service implementation. Recently, NCTCOG staff issued a Request for Information to the high-speed rail industry seeking information regarding high-speed rail implementation methods and strategies. In addition, NCTCOG staff issued three Requests for Proposals for three station area planning studies in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas seeking consultant assistance regarding station area plans and development opportunities. In addition, staff will present an update for the Dallas-Houston High-Speed Rail project. NCTCOG staff will continue to serve as the RTC liaison for regional high-speed rail efforts.
Top Five Regional Transportation Council Policy Initiatives for 2017 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will summarize five initiatives listed below. Background: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) staff was invited to give a progress report at the January 5, 2017, joint meeting of the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition and the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition. Michael Morris highlighted five initiatives for 2017. It is anticipated that 2017 will be a transformative year for several initiatives: 1) New Federal Initiative on Transportation 2) Implementation of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)/RTC Project Selection from December RTC Meeting 3) High-Speed Rail: Dallas to Houston/Fort Worth to Dallas 4) State Legislative Session 5) TEXRail, Cotton Belt, Coppell/DFW International Airport/RTC Funding Partnership and Integrated New Transit Technology Guideway
Clean Cities Annual Report and Fleet Recognition Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities (DFWCC) Annual Report and the Clean Fleet Policy, including policy goals and reporting requirements. Recognition of the DFWCC Outstanding Fleet awards will also be provided. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been the host organization for DFWCC, a United States Department of Energy (DOE) initiative to increase energy security and reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector since 1994. Clean Cities coalitions are required to complete annual reporting to the DOE every March. To help ensure a better response rate from local fleets, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and DFWCC linked the annual report to the Clean Fleet Policy, which RTC approved on December 11, 2014, and also created the Outstanding Fleet Recognition Program. More details can be found in Electronic Item 9.
Introduction of New Institutional Needs Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: As the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) focuses on project implementation and transportation outcomes, partnerships and potential legislative options are being contemplated for the upcoming Legislative Session. Background: Ideas regarding comprehensive development agreements, highspeed rail implementation, streamlined project delivery, and next generation tax increment finance mechanisms are in early conversations. These and other topics will be introduced to the RTC.
11. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 11.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (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, February 9, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of December 8, 2016, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the December 8, 2016, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested. Background: February 2017 revisions to the 2017-2020 TIP are provided as Reference Item 2.1 for the Council’s consideration. Modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the TIP.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Texas Department of Transportation 100 Year Anniversary 2. February 2, 2017, Automated Vehicle Roundtable and Demonstration 3. Congratulations to the Fort Worth Transportation Authority for Receipt of the Full Funding Grant Agreement for the TEXRail Project: Interim Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Loan was Not Needed 4. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.1) 5. December Online Public Input Opportunity Minutes (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. RTC Legislative Program (Handout) 7. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.3) 8. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.4) 9. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.5) 10. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Endorsement of High-Speed Rail Environmental Backstop Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is conducting the High-Speed Rail Environmental Impact Study using American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funds expiring on September 30, 2017. This item endorses the use of transportation funds to backstop ARRA funding if this funding source is not available to complete the Record of Decision. Background: Staff has discussed this contingency with the Regional Transportation Council throughout 2016. If Congress does not extend this eligibility, it is likely the environmental document will not be completed in time. Reference Item 4 is a copy of a letter already transmitted to TxDOT. This action is to endorse this commitment using Surface Transportation Program funds of approximately $3 million. It is possible these funds may not be needed and if needed, will be significantly less than requested.
Partnership with Workforce Development Agencies in Training for Drivers Replaced by Advanced Technology Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Councilmember Lee M. Kleinman, City of Dallas, has requested this topic be placed on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) agenda for discussion. Possible action would be to give staff direction on possible next steps. Background: Vehicle technology is advancing that may result in the replacement of certified transit bus operators and truck drivers with commercial drivers' licenses. These employees could be replaced with lower qualified “pilots” or eliminated completely. Similar to previous North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) work with the aviation industry regarding airplane pilots, aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers, this item would initiate a conversation and advance a needs assessment that evaluates changes in these industries and possible implications to these employees. It is likely this initiative could be part of a larger coalition of other interested parties. It is anticipated that the RTC would engage the NCTCOG Workforce Development Board and companion boards of Dallas and Tarrant Counties.
High-Speed Rail Status Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update of recent progress regarding highspeed rail 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 ongoing. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff continues to coordinate with project partners to ensure the efforts are consistent with the adopted RTC highspeed rail policies and with all transportation partners, consultants, and the public to ensure successful high-speed rail service implementation. Recently, NCTCOG staff issued a Request for Information to the high-speed rail industry seeking information regarding high-speed rail implementation methods and strategies. In addition, NCTCOG staff issued three Requests for Proposals for three station area planning studies in Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas seeking consultant assistance regarding station area plans and development opportunities. In addition, staff will present an update for the Dallas-Houston High-Speed Rail project. NCTCOG staff will continue to serve as the RTC liaison for regional high-speed rail efforts.
Top Five Regional Transportation Council Policy Initiatives for 2017 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will summarize five initiatives listed below. Background: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) staff was invited to give a progress report at the January 5, 2017, joint meeting of the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition and the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition. Michael Morris highlighted five initiatives for 2017. It is anticipated that 2017 will be a transformative year for several initiatives: 1) New Federal Initiative on Transportation 2) Implementation of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)/RTC Project Selection from December RTC Meeting 3) High-Speed Rail: Dallas to Houston/Fort Worth to Dallas 4) State Legislative Session 5) TEXRail, Cotton Belt, Coppell/DFW International Airport/RTC Funding Partnership and Integrated New Transit Technology Guideway
Clean Cities Annual Report and Fleet Recognition Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities (DFWCC) Annual Report and the Clean Fleet Policy, including policy goals and reporting requirements. Recognition of the DFWCC Outstanding Fleet awards will also be provided. Background: The North Central Texas Council of Governments has been the host organization for DFWCC, a United States Department of Energy (DOE) initiative to increase energy security and reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector since 1994. Clean Cities coalitions are required to complete annual reporting to the DOE every March. To help ensure a better response rate from local fleets, the North Central Texas Council of Governments and DFWCC linked the annual report to the Clean Fleet Policy, which RTC approved on December 11, 2014, and also created the Outstanding Fleet Recognition Program. More details can be found in Electronic Item 9.
Introduction of New Institutional Needs Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: As the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) focuses on project implementation and transportation outcomes, partnerships and potential legislative options are being contemplated for the upcoming Legislative Session. Background: Ideas regarding comprehensive development agreements, highspeed rail implementation, streamlined project delivery, and next generation tax increment finance mechanisms are in early conversations. These and other topics will be introduced to the RTC.
11. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 11.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (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, February 9, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.