Approval of February 9, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the February 9, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Development Credits for the High-Speed Rail Environmental Clearance Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the local match for the completion of the environmental documentation for the high-speed rail line between Dallas and Fort Worth will be requested. Background: At its February 9, 2017, meeting, the RTC approved approximately $3 million for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to complete the environmental documentation needed for high-speed rail between Dallas and Fort Worth. TxDOT is negotiating approval with the Federal Railroad Administration regarding this commitment. Electronic Item 2.1.1 contains a copy of the latest correspondence. Staff is seeking RTC approval to use Transportation Development Credits for the local match. There is no change requested regarding the approximately $3 million financial commitment. Electronic Item 2.1.2 contains a copy of the previous RTC action. 2.2. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act: East/West Funding Distribution Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek action on the latest effort to reassess the funding distribution between the eastern (Dallas and Paris Districts) and western (Fort Worth District) subregions as a result of Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) selects projects to be funded with Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funds (formerly STP-MM funds). These funds are distributed to the region by the Texas Department of Transportation using formulas established by the Federal Highway Administration. The formula inputs include population, employment, emissions, etc. To ensure equity within the region, the RTC then distributes funding to the eastern and western subregions in proportion to each area’s demographics and activity. The RTC reevaluates the funding distribution after a new transportation funding bill is approved by the United States Congress. The current east/west funding distribution is 68 percent and 66 percent in the eastern subregion and 32 percent and 34 percent in the western subregion for STBG and CMAQ, respectively. There are no proposed changes to the distribution. Reference Item 2.2.1 provides additional information on the analysis and draft results. Supporting materials are available in Electronic Item 2.2.2.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Recognition of Bernice J. Washington for Service on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) 2. Overview of Today's Agenda 3. Proposed Partnership Opportunity with the Texas Transportation Commission (Action, Reference Item 3.1) 4. FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program Development: Deadline, March 24, 2017 5. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. Southern Transportation and Air Quality Summit, August 29-30, 2017 (Electronic Item 3.3) 7. April Car Care Clinics (Electronic Item 3.4) 8. March Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. 2017 Spring Outreach Season (Electronic Item 3.6) 10.Mobility Matters (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.9) 13. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Volkswagen Mitigation Update and Correspondence to the State of Texas Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on the Volkswagen settlement status and request approval to submit correspondence to the Governor of Texas and Texas Attorney General (AG) with recommendations for the approximately $2.9 billion mitigation trust fund. Background: Late last year, the Texas AG and the United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) filed lawsuits against the Volkswagen Group for emissions test-cheat devices applied to certain 2.0 liter and 3.0 liter diesel engines allowing increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX). The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) submitted a letter March 10, 2016 (contained in Reference Item 4.1), to the Texas AG and US DOJ requesting if a financial settlement is reached, funds be dispersed to Texas nonattainment regions for implementing air quality projects and/or programs. Since that time, Volkswagen has reached partial settlements for a mitigation trust fund of up to $2.9 billion nationwide. Staff has met with other regions to begin collaboration on aspects of the mitigation process for Texas. Reference Item 4.1 is correspondence to the Governor of Texas and Texas AG requesting the State of Texas pursue the funding available to the State and other recommendations including designation of the lead agency for the State, acceptable projects to be funded, and description of funding allocation. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action supporting the RTC transmit correspondence to the Governor of Texas and Texas Attorney General. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 4.2.
Resolution in Support for Texas Hyperloop Challenge Entry Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Tom Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval of a resolution of support for the Texas entry in the Hyperloop One Global Challenge will be requested. Background: Hyperloop is mode of passenger and freight transportation that propels a pod-like vehicle through a near-vacuum tube at more than airline speed. One of the companies developing the technology has sponsored the Hyperloop One Global Challenge to identify regions for the first deployment of the technology. Details are provided in Electronic Item 5.1. A Texas entry was selected as a semifinalist from a pool of 2,600 entries and is competing for finalist status. The proposed resolution, provided in Reference Item 5.2, is a statement of support for the Texas entry. There is no financial commitment. This resolution is consistent with other entities requesting support for intercity connections to the region.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit/Regional Transportation Council Transit Related Improvement Program Funding Partnership Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff will brief the Council and seek approval of a proposed partnership with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to assist with DART’s Transit Related Improvement Program (TRIP) and increase the Regional Transportation Council (RTC)/Local funding pool. Background: In December 2016, DART staff requested assistance from NCTCOG staff to develop a partnership that helps it respond to concerns from member cities without rail service. The proposed partnership helps DART and benefits the region by increasing the pool of RTC/Local funds. In January 2017, the DART Board approved the TRIP policy for DART cities without rail service in operation or rail service within an approved financial plan. The program encourages eligible cities to submit appropriate transportation projects for reimbursement from DART. DART requested a partnership with the RTC over eight years to assist in the TRIP. As part of the partnership, DART and the RTC will each contribute half the funds for TRIP in two increments. The RTC would contribute an additional $10 million federal in each phase in return for $10 million in local funds. The local funds would increase the region’s RTC/Local pool. Additional information on the proposed partnership and projects are detailed in Reference Item 6.
Modern Day “People-Mover” Technology Update and Request For Information Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update of recent progress regarding peoplemover project initiatives for the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Approval will be requested for staff to submit a Request for Information in order to advance this concept. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has adopted regional policies guiding the development of people-mover projects within the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The RTC held a workshop prior to the February 9, 2017, RTC meeting to discuss current and future efforts. Currently, staff is moving forward with a study to determine efficient and effective methods to move people to, from, and within the proposed Midtown development in North Dallas. Staff continues to work with Southwest Medical District staff to develop a scope of services. In Arlington, a proposed high-speed rail station is desired. Connectivity to the proposed Arlington high-speed rail station is possible with people-mover technology. To achieve functional and operational efficiencies, the RTC will be requested to approve staff to issue a Request for Information to the people-mover industry seeking information regarding people-mover technology, operational, and implementation methods, and strategies. A status update for these efforts, possible technology innovations, and the Request for Information will be presented. Reference Item 7 highlights the overall program and path forward.
Legislative Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will receive an update on federal and State legislative actions. Background: The first session of the 115th United States (US) Congress convened on January 3, 2017, and the Texas Legislature convened on January 10, 2017. Transportation issues will be a focus for both the US Congress and Texas Legislature. This item will allow staff to provide updates on key positions of the RTC and allow any additional positions to be taken, if necessary.
Critical Freight Corridors: Regional Connections Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Definitions: -National Highway Freight Network-federal -State Freight Network-state -Critical Freight Corridors-regional Item Summary: Regional connections will provide enhanced connectivity to the State and federal freight systems. Staff will provide information regarding the proposed regional connections in North Central Texas. Background: Critical rural and urban freight corridors provide connectivity within the federal network. By designating these important corridors, states can strategically direct resources toward improved system performance and efficient movement of freight. The designation of these systems will increase opportunities for National Highway Freight Program formula funds and Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies Grant Program funds. Next month, the Regional Transportation Council will be asked to approve the critical freight corridors (regional connections) presented for information this month. Electronic Item 9 summarizes this partnership.
Transportation Development Credits: Category Renewals and Additions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present proposed changes to the Regional Transportation Council’s (RTC) Transportation Development Credit (TDC) program. Background: In 2012, the RTC received an allocation of 465,486,222 TDCs from the Texas Department of Transportation. In the years since, 145,548,640 credits have been awarded to local agencies to be utilized in lieu of the local match on projects and programs with federal funding. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff has been exploring new ways to utilize TDCs and proposes to make changes and allocation adjustments to the program. Details of the proposed changes can be found in Electronic Item 10.1. Electronic Item 10.2 contains additional information on the existing categories.
Schedule for Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, and Air Quality Conformity Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information and the schedule for development of the next Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and air quality conformity analysis. Background: Certain developments have occurred that necessitate updating current transportation plans. To ensure seamless delivery of multimodal transportation initiatives, staff has prepared a schedule of upcoming key milestones towards development of the next MTP, TIP, and corresponding air quality conformity analysis. Electronic Item 11.1 highlights the schedule and includes explanation for the coordinated effort. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 11.2.
12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 12.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 12.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.3) 13. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 14. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 13, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of February 9, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the February 9, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Development Credits for the High-Speed Rail Environmental Clearance Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of the local match for the completion of the environmental documentation for the high-speed rail line between Dallas and Fort Worth will be requested. Background: At its February 9, 2017, meeting, the RTC approved approximately $3 million for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to complete the environmental documentation needed for high-speed rail between Dallas and Fort Worth. TxDOT is negotiating approval with the Federal Railroad Administration regarding this commitment. Electronic Item 2.1.1 contains a copy of the latest correspondence. Staff is seeking RTC approval to use Transportation Development Credits for the local match. There is no change requested regarding the approximately $3 million financial commitment. Electronic Item 2.1.2 contains a copy of the previous RTC action. 2.2. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act: East/West Funding Distribution Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will seek action on the latest effort to reassess the funding distribution between the eastern (Dallas and Paris Districts) and western (Fort Worth District) subregions as a result of Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) selects projects to be funded with Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funds (formerly STP-MM funds). These funds are distributed to the region by the Texas Department of Transportation using formulas established by the Federal Highway Administration. The formula inputs include population, employment, emissions, etc. To ensure equity within the region, the RTC then distributes funding to the eastern and western subregions in proportion to each area’s demographics and activity. The RTC reevaluates the funding distribution after a new transportation funding bill is approved by the United States Congress. The current east/west funding distribution is 68 percent and 66 percent in the eastern subregion and 32 percent and 34 percent in the western subregion for STBG and CMAQ, respectively. There are no proposed changes to the distribution. Reference Item 2.2.1 provides additional information on the analysis and draft results. Supporting materials are available in Electronic Item 2.2.2.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Recognition of Bernice J. Washington for Service on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) 2. Overview of Today's Agenda 3. Proposed Partnership Opportunity with the Texas Transportation Commission (Action, Reference Item 3.1) 4. FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program Development: Deadline, March 24, 2017 5. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 6. Southern Transportation and Air Quality Summit, August 29-30, 2017 (Electronic Item 3.3) 7. April Car Care Clinics (Electronic Item 3.4) 8. March Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.5) 9. 2017 Spring Outreach Season (Electronic Item 3.6) 10.Mobility Matters (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.9) 13. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Volkswagen Mitigation Update and Correspondence to the State of Texas Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on the Volkswagen settlement status and request approval to submit correspondence to the Governor of Texas and Texas Attorney General (AG) with recommendations for the approximately $2.9 billion mitigation trust fund. Background: Late last year, the Texas AG and the United States Department of Justice (US DOJ) filed lawsuits against the Volkswagen Group for emissions test-cheat devices applied to certain 2.0 liter and 3.0 liter diesel engines allowing increased emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX). The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) submitted a letter March 10, 2016 (contained in Reference Item 4.1), to the Texas AG and US DOJ requesting if a financial settlement is reached, funds be dispersed to Texas nonattainment regions for implementing air quality projects and/or programs. Since that time, Volkswagen has reached partial settlements for a mitigation trust fund of up to $2.9 billion nationwide. Staff has met with other regions to begin collaboration on aspects of the mitigation process for Texas. Reference Item 4.1 is correspondence to the Governor of Texas and Texas AG requesting the State of Texas pursue the funding available to the State and other recommendations including designation of the lead agency for the State, acceptable projects to be funded, and description of funding allocation. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action supporting the RTC transmit correspondence to the Governor of Texas and Texas Attorney General. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 4.2.
Resolution in Support for Texas Hyperloop Challenge Entry Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Tom Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval of a resolution of support for the Texas entry in the Hyperloop One Global Challenge will be requested. Background: Hyperloop is mode of passenger and freight transportation that propels a pod-like vehicle through a near-vacuum tube at more than airline speed. One of the companies developing the technology has sponsored the Hyperloop One Global Challenge to identify regions for the first deployment of the technology. Details are provided in Electronic Item 5.1. A Texas entry was selected as a semifinalist from a pool of 2,600 entries and is competing for finalist status. The proposed resolution, provided in Reference Item 5.2, is a statement of support for the Texas entry. There is no financial commitment. This resolution is consistent with other entities requesting support for intercity connections to the region.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit/Regional Transportation Council Transit Related Improvement Program Funding Partnership Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff will brief the Council and seek approval of a proposed partnership with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to assist with DART’s Transit Related Improvement Program (TRIP) and increase the Regional Transportation Council (RTC)/Local funding pool. Background: In December 2016, DART staff requested assistance from NCTCOG staff to develop a partnership that helps it respond to concerns from member cities without rail service. The proposed partnership helps DART and benefits the region by increasing the pool of RTC/Local funds. In January 2017, the DART Board approved the TRIP policy for DART cities without rail service in operation or rail service within an approved financial plan. The program encourages eligible cities to submit appropriate transportation projects for reimbursement from DART. DART requested a partnership with the RTC over eight years to assist in the TRIP. As part of the partnership, DART and the RTC will each contribute half the funds for TRIP in two increments. The RTC would contribute an additional $10 million federal in each phase in return for $10 million in local funds. The local funds would increase the region’s RTC/Local pool. Additional information on the proposed partnership and projects are detailed in Reference Item 6.
Modern Day “People-Mover” Technology Update and Request For Information Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update of recent progress regarding peoplemover project initiatives for the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Approval will be requested for staff to submit a Request for Information in order to advance this concept. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has adopted regional policies guiding the development of people-mover projects within the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The RTC held a workshop prior to the February 9, 2017, RTC meeting to discuss current and future efforts. Currently, staff is moving forward with a study to determine efficient and effective methods to move people to, from, and within the proposed Midtown development in North Dallas. Staff continues to work with Southwest Medical District staff to develop a scope of services. In Arlington, a proposed high-speed rail station is desired. Connectivity to the proposed Arlington high-speed rail station is possible with people-mover technology. To achieve functional and operational efficiencies, the RTC will be requested to approve staff to issue a Request for Information to the people-mover industry seeking information regarding people-mover technology, operational, and implementation methods, and strategies. A status update for these efforts, possible technology innovations, and the Request for Information will be presented. Reference Item 7 highlights the overall program and path forward.
Legislative Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will receive an update on federal and State legislative actions. Background: The first session of the 115th United States (US) Congress convened on January 3, 2017, and the Texas Legislature convened on January 10, 2017. Transportation issues will be a focus for both the US Congress and Texas Legislature. This item will allow staff to provide updates on key positions of the RTC and allow any additional positions to be taken, if necessary.
Critical Freight Corridors: Regional Connections Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Definitions: -National Highway Freight Network-federal -State Freight Network-state -Critical Freight Corridors-regional Item Summary: Regional connections will provide enhanced connectivity to the State and federal freight systems. Staff will provide information regarding the proposed regional connections in North Central Texas. Background: Critical rural and urban freight corridors provide connectivity within the federal network. By designating these important corridors, states can strategically direct resources toward improved system performance and efficient movement of freight. The designation of these systems will increase opportunities for National Highway Freight Program formula funds and Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies Grant Program funds. Next month, the Regional Transportation Council will be asked to approve the critical freight corridors (regional connections) presented for information this month. Electronic Item 9 summarizes this partnership.
Transportation Development Credits: Category Renewals and Additions Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present proposed changes to the Regional Transportation Council’s (RTC) Transportation Development Credit (TDC) program. Background: In 2012, the RTC received an allocation of 465,486,222 TDCs from the Texas Department of Transportation. In the years since, 145,548,640 credits have been awarded to local agencies to be utilized in lieu of the local match on projects and programs with federal funding. North Central Texas Council of Governments staff has been exploring new ways to utilize TDCs and proposes to make changes and allocation adjustments to the program. Details of the proposed changes can be found in Electronic Item 10.1. Electronic Item 10.2 contains additional information on the existing categories.
Schedule for Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Transportation Improvement Program, and Air Quality Conformity Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide information and the schedule for development of the next Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and air quality conformity analysis. Background: Certain developments have occurred that necessitate updating current transportation plans. To ensure seamless delivery of multimodal transportation initiatives, staff has prepared a schedule of upcoming key milestones towards development of the next MTP, TIP, and corresponding air quality conformity analysis. Electronic Item 11.1 highlights the schedule and includes explanation for the coordinated effort. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 11.2.
12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 12.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 12.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.3) 13. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 14. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 15. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 13, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.