Approval of April 13, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the April 13, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Federal Functional Classification System Amendments Presenter: Brian Flood, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of two amendments to the currently approved Federal Functional Classification System (FFCS) will be requested. Background: While inclusion in the FFCS is based on a roadway's purpose and functioning capabilities, it is also used to determine eligibility for federal funding. Amendments to the FFCS occur as the function of an existing roadway changes or as roadways need to be added due to construction, new developments, and shifts in demographic trends. Staff is currently working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on two proposed FFCS amendments within the Dallas TxDOT District. Both amendments involve the construction of new roadways which are included in the current Transportation Improvement Program. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee approved these changes at its last meeting. Additional information is provided in Reference Item 2.1.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Member Representation at Events • Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins-Texas Freight Advisory Committee, May 11, 2017 2. Summary of Comments from Commissioner Laura Ryan at the Texas Transportation Commission 3. RTC Nominating Subcommittee Appointments (Chair Ron Jensen) 4. Proposed RTC Multimodal/Intermodal/High-Speed Rail/Freight Subcommittee in June 5. RTC New Member Orientation, Summer 2017 6. Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Certification Review, June 13-15, 2017 7. April Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.1) 8. May Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.2) 9. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.3) 10. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.4) 11. Compressed Natural Gas Station Safety and Inspection Training, June 1, 2017 (Electronic Item 3.5) 12. Environmental Protection Agency 2017 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree Award (Electronic Item 3.6) 13. New Proposed Rate Structure for Street Lighting (Electronic Item 3.7) 14. East/West Equity Quarterly Report (Electronic Item 3.8) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.9) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.10) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.11) 18. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Traffic Signal Grants Selection Criteria and 511DFW/Waze Grants Selection Criteria Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Tom Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of selection criteria for the Traffic Signal and 511DFW/Waze grant programs will be requested. Background: The RTC has approved two $250,000 grant programs to encourage regional partners to make their traffic signal data and highway and traffic condition data accessible to connected vehicle developers, travel navigation services, and other public entities. Reference Item 4.1 lists the questions for applicants and the evaluation criteria for the Traffic Signal Data grant program. Reference Item 4.2 lists the questions for applicants and the evaluation criteria for the 511DFW/Waze grant program. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee approved the criteria at its last meeting.
Southern Dallas County Funding Partnership Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Karla Weaver and Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval of a funding partnership among Dallas County, City of Lancaster, City of Hutchins, and the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) for several roadway projects in the South Dallas Inland Port area will be requested. Background: In October 2012, the North Central Texas Council of Governments sponsored planning activities in southern Dallas County. The product of the efforts was the Southern Dallas County Infrastructure Analysis Final Report and the southern Dallas County funding partnership is proposed to be programmed as a part of the RTC's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement and Surface Transportation Block Grant funding programs. It is contained within the RTC’s Strategic Partnerships category. The proposed projects are beneficial to the region as they provide critical connections to IH 45, future connections to Loop 9, and connections to intermodal facilities. Details of the funding partnership are available in Reference Item 5.
Legislative Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on federal and state legislative actions related to transportation and air quality issues affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 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 and air quality issues will be a focus for both the US Congress and Texas Legislature. Several topics will be highlighted.
Comprehensive Development Agreements Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG and Alberto Gonzalez, LBJ Express, NTE Express, and NTE3 Express Item Summary: An update on TEXpress Lanes will be conducted and address the following items: • IH 635 East Environmental Approval by the Texas Department of Transportation • IH 635/IH 35E "Y" Connection Opening and Revenue Sharing • Comprehensive Development Agreement Legislative Update • Performance Measures from the North Tarrant Express and IH 635 Background: The success of the system of TEXpress Lanes continues with current focus on advancing tolled manages lanes on the congested IH 635 corridor. Electronic Item 7.1 contains related correspondence and Electronic Item 7.2 contains updated information.
2019-2002 Transportation Improvement Program Development Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the 2019-2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development process, expectations, and upcoming meetings. Background: A new TIP is developed every two years through a cooperative effort among the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), the Texas Department of Transportation, local governments, and transportation authorities. The TIP is a staged, multi-year listing of transportation projects with committed funding from federal, State, and local sources within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. For regionally significant projects to proceed to implementation, they must be included in the TIP listings. To this end, NCTCOG staff will meet with local partners to receive input and updates on all active projects. The data from these meetings will be assessed and organized into a draft project listing which is financially constrained against the funding allocations to be identified in the Unified Transportation Program. Special attention will be placed on projects that are at risk of losing federal funds. Details of the 2019-2022 TIP Development process, timeline, and focus areas are available in Electronic Item 8.
2045 Demographics Update and Mobility 2045 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenters: Dan Kessler and Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present information regarding development of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) demographic forecast for the year 2045. The 2017 annual population estimates, developed by NCTCOG's Research and Information Services Department, will be highlighted and are provided in Electronic Item 9. Work is underway on the region’s next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045. Staff will present a brief overview of the purpose, schedule, and new initiatives being considered for Mobility 2045. Background: NCTCOG has the responsibility for creating long-range, small-area demographic forecasts for use in infrastructure planning in North Central Texas. Development of the forecast is a joint effort between the NCTCOG Transportation Department and Research and Information Services Department. The current NCTCOG forecast extends to the year 2040. Work has begun on the development of a forecast that will encompass an additional five years, taking the forecast out to the year 2045. This forecast is being developed in part to support upcoming preparation of Mobility 2045: The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for North Central Texas and the corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis. Information developed by the State Demographer will be included. The last comprehensive update of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) occurred in March 2016 with the Regional Transportation Council adoption of Mobility 2040. Staff has initiated the development of a new MTP, Mobility 2045. This plan will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives. Development will continue over the next 12 months with draft recommendations expected in early 2018. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2045 in June 2018.
Potential Transportation Alternatives Program Funds Lapse Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds apportioned in Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 that are at risk of lapsing if not utilized by September 30, 2017. Background: Federal regulations state that TAP funds apportioned shall remain available for obligation for the year of apportionment plus three years. Any amounts that remain unobligated at the end of that period shall lapse. TAP funds apportioned in FY2014 are at risk of lapsing at the end of FY2017. The region narrowly avoided a lapse in FY2013 funding as the remaining $2.5 million from that year was obligated in the last month of FY2016. As of April 26, 2017, $600,000 of the FY2014 funding has obligated and $7.6 million in federal TAP funds could potentially lapse on September 30, 2017. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff is coordinating with local agencies to identify project status and their ability to obligate funds by September 30, 2017. A listing of TAP projects and their current status is provided as Electronic Item 10. During the March 24, 2017, Surface Transportation Technical Committee (STTC) meeting, NCTCOG staff requested STTC members coordinate internally within their cities/agencies to ensure that their project(s) are advancing as expeditiously as possible.
Fleets for the Future Update and Bootcamp Invitation Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Lori Clark, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on Fleets for the Future and also present information on an upcoming meeting scheduled for May 24, 2017. Background: The Fleets for the Future project is a cooperative procurement opportunity for local governments to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. Both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles are eligible for purchase. Available fuel types include dedicated electric, plug-in hybrid electric, propane, and natural gas vehicles. All public fleets are encouraged to participate in order to maximize discounts through a group purchase. A “bootcamp” is scheduled for May 24 and will provide detailed information catered to managers, fleet staff, and purchasing staff. Details are available in Electronic Item 11.1. A letter encouraging fleets to participate was recently mailed to local governments across the region and is available as Electronic Item 11.2.
Clean Air Action Day, June 23, 2017 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Information on Air North Texas’ Clean Air Action Day, which will be held June 23, 2017, will be provided along with plans for the region and how Regional Transportation Council (RTC) members and member cities can participate Background: Air North Texas is a regional air quality awareness initiative administered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) with the support of regional partners. The effort seeks to generate a regionally consistent brand campaign that will promote air quality public education and support key elements in the State Implementation Plan and other air quality initiatives. During Air North Texas' Clean Air Action Day, North Texans are asked to commit to clean air actions and share their experience with the community via www.airnorthtexas.org/cleanairactionday or on social media. By participating, North Texans will see that clean air actions can be easy and may adopt them as regular behaviors, especially on Ozone Action Days. Additionally, NCTCOG staff asks RTC members to support Clean Air Action Day challenges within their organizations and will present on how challenges can be implemented. Detailed information on Clean Air Action Day is provided as Electronic Item 12.1, and the Air North Texas Partner Agreement is provided as Electronic Item 12.2.
13. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 13.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 13.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 13.3) 14. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 15. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 8, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of April 13, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ron Jensen, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the April 13, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Federal Functional Classification System Amendments Presenter: Brian Flood, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of two amendments to the currently approved Federal Functional Classification System (FFCS) will be requested. Background: While inclusion in the FFCS is based on a roadway's purpose and functioning capabilities, it is also used to determine eligibility for federal funding. Amendments to the FFCS occur as the function of an existing roadway changes or as roadways need to be added due to construction, new developments, and shifts in demographic trends. Staff is currently working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on two proposed FFCS amendments within the Dallas TxDOT District. Both amendments involve the construction of new roadways which are included in the current Transportation Improvement Program. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee approved these changes at its last meeting. Additional information is provided in Reference Item 2.1.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Member Representation at Events • Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins-Texas Freight Advisory Committee, May 11, 2017 2. Summary of Comments from Commissioner Laura Ryan at the Texas Transportation Commission 3. RTC Nominating Subcommittee Appointments (Chair Ron Jensen) 4. Proposed RTC Multimodal/Intermodal/High-Speed Rail/Freight Subcommittee in June 5. RTC New Member Orientation, Summer 2017 6. Metropolitan Planning Organization Federal Certification Review, June 13-15, 2017 7. April Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.1) 8. May Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.2) 9. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.3) 10. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.4) 11. Compressed Natural Gas Station Safety and Inspection Training, June 1, 2017 (Electronic Item 3.5) 12. Environmental Protection Agency 2017 SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Honoree Award (Electronic Item 3.6) 13. New Proposed Rate Structure for Street Lighting (Electronic Item 3.7) 14. East/West Equity Quarterly Report (Electronic Item 3.8) 15. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.9) 16. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.10) 17. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.11) 18. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Traffic Signal Grants Selection Criteria and 511DFW/Waze Grants Selection Criteria Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Tom Bamonte, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of selection criteria for the Traffic Signal and 511DFW/Waze grant programs will be requested. Background: The RTC has approved two $250,000 grant programs to encourage regional partners to make their traffic signal data and highway and traffic condition data accessible to connected vehicle developers, travel navigation services, and other public entities. Reference Item 4.1 lists the questions for applicants and the evaluation criteria for the Traffic Signal Data grant program. Reference Item 4.2 lists the questions for applicants and the evaluation criteria for the 511DFW/Waze grant program. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee approved the criteria at its last meeting.
Southern Dallas County Funding Partnership Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Karla Weaver and Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Approval of a funding partnership among Dallas County, City of Lancaster, City of Hutchins, and the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) for several roadway projects in the South Dallas Inland Port area will be requested. Background: In October 2012, the North Central Texas Council of Governments sponsored planning activities in southern Dallas County. The product of the efforts was the Southern Dallas County Infrastructure Analysis Final Report and the southern Dallas County funding partnership is proposed to be programmed as a part of the RTC's Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement and Surface Transportation Block Grant funding programs. It is contained within the RTC’s Strategic Partnerships category. The proposed projects are beneficial to the region as they provide critical connections to IH 45, future connections to Loop 9, and connections to intermodal facilities. Details of the funding partnership are available in Reference Item 5.
Legislative Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on federal and state legislative actions related to transportation and air quality issues affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 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 and air quality issues will be a focus for both the US Congress and Texas Legislature. Several topics will be highlighted.
Comprehensive Development Agreements Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenters: Michael Morris, NCTCOG and Alberto Gonzalez, LBJ Express, NTE Express, and NTE3 Express Item Summary: An update on TEXpress Lanes will be conducted and address the following items: • IH 635 East Environmental Approval by the Texas Department of Transportation • IH 635/IH 35E "Y" Connection Opening and Revenue Sharing • Comprehensive Development Agreement Legislative Update • Performance Measures from the North Tarrant Express and IH 635 Background: The success of the system of TEXpress Lanes continues with current focus on advancing tolled manages lanes on the congested IH 635 corridor. Electronic Item 7.1 contains related correspondence and Electronic Item 7.2 contains updated information.
2019-2002 Transportation Improvement Program Development Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the 2019-2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) development process, expectations, and upcoming meetings. Background: A new TIP is developed every two years through a cooperative effort among the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), the Texas Department of Transportation, local governments, and transportation authorities. The TIP is a staged, multi-year listing of transportation projects with committed funding from federal, State, and local sources within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. For regionally significant projects to proceed to implementation, they must be included in the TIP listings. To this end, NCTCOG staff will meet with local partners to receive input and updates on all active projects. The data from these meetings will be assessed and organized into a draft project listing which is financially constrained against the funding allocations to be identified in the Unified Transportation Program. Special attention will be placed on projects that are at risk of losing federal funds. Details of the 2019-2022 TIP Development process, timeline, and focus areas are available in Electronic Item 8.
2045 Demographics Update and Mobility 2045 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenters: Dan Kessler and Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present information regarding development of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) demographic forecast for the year 2045. The 2017 annual population estimates, developed by NCTCOG's Research and Information Services Department, will be highlighted and are provided in Electronic Item 9. Work is underway on the region’s next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045. Staff will present a brief overview of the purpose, schedule, and new initiatives being considered for Mobility 2045. Background: NCTCOG has the responsibility for creating long-range, small-area demographic forecasts for use in infrastructure planning in North Central Texas. Development of the forecast is a joint effort between the NCTCOG Transportation Department and Research and Information Services Department. The current NCTCOG forecast extends to the year 2040. Work has begun on the development of a forecast that will encompass an additional five years, taking the forecast out to the year 2045. This forecast is being developed in part to support upcoming preparation of Mobility 2045: The Metropolitan Transportation Plan for North Central Texas and the corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis. Information developed by the State Demographer will be included. The last comprehensive update of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) occurred in March 2016 with the Regional Transportation Council adoption of Mobility 2040. Staff has initiated the development of a new MTP, Mobility 2045. This plan will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives. Development will continue over the next 12 months with draft recommendations expected in early 2018. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2045 in June 2018.
Potential Transportation Alternatives Program Funds Lapse Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Ken Bunkley, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds apportioned in Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 that are at risk of lapsing if not utilized by September 30, 2017. Background: Federal regulations state that TAP funds apportioned shall remain available for obligation for the year of apportionment plus three years. Any amounts that remain unobligated at the end of that period shall lapse. TAP funds apportioned in FY2014 are at risk of lapsing at the end of FY2017. The region narrowly avoided a lapse in FY2013 funding as the remaining $2.5 million from that year was obligated in the last month of FY2016. As of April 26, 2017, $600,000 of the FY2014 funding has obligated and $7.6 million in federal TAP funds could potentially lapse on September 30, 2017. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) staff is coordinating with local agencies to identify project status and their ability to obligate funds by September 30, 2017. A listing of TAP projects and their current status is provided as Electronic Item 10. During the March 24, 2017, Surface Transportation Technical Committee (STTC) meeting, NCTCOG staff requested STTC members coordinate internally within their cities/agencies to ensure that their project(s) are advancing as expeditiously as possible.
Fleets for the Future Update and Bootcamp Invitation Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Lori Clark, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on Fleets for the Future and also present information on an upcoming meeting scheduled for May 24, 2017. Background: The Fleets for the Future project is a cooperative procurement opportunity for local governments to purchase alternative fuel vehicles. Both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles are eligible for purchase. Available fuel types include dedicated electric, plug-in hybrid electric, propane, and natural gas vehicles. All public fleets are encouraged to participate in order to maximize discounts through a group purchase. A “bootcamp” is scheduled for May 24 and will provide detailed information catered to managers, fleet staff, and purchasing staff. Details are available in Electronic Item 11.1. A letter encouraging fleets to participate was recently mailed to local governments across the region and is available as Electronic Item 11.2.
Clean Air Action Day, June 23, 2017 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Information on Air North Texas’ Clean Air Action Day, which will be held June 23, 2017, will be provided along with plans for the region and how Regional Transportation Council (RTC) members and member cities can participate Background: Air North Texas is a regional air quality awareness initiative administered by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) with the support of regional partners. The effort seeks to generate a regionally consistent brand campaign that will promote air quality public education and support key elements in the State Implementation Plan and other air quality initiatives. During Air North Texas' Clean Air Action Day, North Texans are asked to commit to clean air actions and share their experience with the community via www.airnorthtexas.org/cleanairactionday or on social media. By participating, North Texans will see that clean air actions can be easy and may adopt them as regular behaviors, especially on Ozone Action Days. Additionally, NCTCOG staff asks RTC members to support Clean Air Action Day challenges within their organizations and will present on how challenges can be implemented. Detailed information on Clean Air Action Day is provided as Electronic Item 12.1, and the Air North Texas Partner Agreement is provided as Electronic Item 12.2.
13. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 13.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 13.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 13.3) 14. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 15. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 16. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 8, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.