Approval of August 10, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 10, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Fiscal Year 2018 Advertising for Transportation Initiatives Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Support to recommend North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board approval of new funding of up to $1,250,000 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 advertising for transportation initiatives will be requested. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval. Background: Since 2014, the NCTCOG Executive Board has been authorizing annual large-scale advertising purchase and placement initiatives for the Transportation Department. Reference Item 2.1.1 provides information on FY2018 advertising costs, along with examples of past advertising. Advertising campaigns will support the Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Program, Ozone Season Emissions Reduction Campaign, Vehicle Technologies Program, notifications of opportunities for public input/public meetings, the North Texas Aviation Education Initiative, procurement outreach, the Congestion Management Program, regional freight, the Mobility Plan, and 511DFW. Electronic Item 2.1.2 explains the benefits of this initiative and showcases cost savings obtained from bulk advertising purchasing for the Transportation Department. 2.2. Regional Traffic Signal Retiming Program and Minor Improvement Program Call for Projects Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval is sought for the eligible project categories, process, scoring criteria, and schedule for the Regional Traffic Signal Retiming Program and Minor Improvement Program Calls for Projects. Background: Approximately $2 million and $2.9 million, respectively, is anticipated to be available to fund Regional Traffic Signal Retiming Program and Minor Improvement Program projects in the 10-county nonattainment area. Projects eligible under these programs are proposed to include on-system and off-system roadway facilities. Details regarding the proposed eligible and ineligible project types, evaluation criteria, and schedule for the Call for Projects are included in Electronic Item 2.2. 2.3. Extension of Funding for Transit Service in Collin County Presenter: Sarah Chadderdon, NCTCOG Item Summary: This item requests an extension of the Regional Transportation Council’s (RTC) approval of New Freedom Operating Assistance for transit service in Collin County for up to two years. Background: On May 12, 2016, the RTC approved operating funding for transit service in Collin County for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to leverage local dollars and a donation from Toyota. The approval supported transit service through September 2017 and three cities opted to partner with DART for service using this funding: Allen, Fairview, and Wylie. These cities wish to continue existing service for up to two years. The operating funding approved by RTC in May is sufficient to allow this extension without changing the total dollar amount approved for operating transit service in Collin County. There will still be excess federal funds from this project if the extension is approved. This federal funding will be reprogrammed through a larger transit grant cleanup effort in late 2017 and early 2018. Details are provided in Reference Item 2.3.
Approval of August 10, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 10, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
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 • Mike Taylor, National Drive Electric Week Event, September 9 • Victor Vandergriff and Glen Whitley, 2017 Irving Summit, August 15-16 2. RTC Subcommittee Appointments, Chair Rob Franke 3. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.1) 4. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 5. Air Quality Webinar: Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Street Light Retrofit, September 26 (Electronic Item 3.3) 6. August Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.4) 7. September Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.5) 8. Mobility Matters (Yogi Berra Column) (Handout) 9. New Executive Order on Infrastructure (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Updated Nonattainment Recommendation Excludes Hood County (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. T-HUD Floor Amendment-Rescission of Contract Authority (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Public Comments Report (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
Big Projects in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Region Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Victor Vandergriff, Texas Transportation Commission and Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Commissioner Victor Vandergriff will continue the conversation that began at the Irving Transportation Summit regarding getting Big Projects completed in Texas. Michael Morris will highlight the needs and benefits for the eastern and western subregions of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Background: The Texas Transportation Commission is advancing projects from the December 2016 Regional Transportation Council (RTC) action. This is one of the top five priorities for the RTC this year. The Commission is reviewing uncommitted resources, year 11 Unified Transportation Program allocations, and the desire to advance large projects in urban areas.
2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grants Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the 2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance. Action will be sought on a partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation on project selection, as well as a policy on supporting other projects. Background: In July 2017, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced the replacement of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program with the 2017 INFRA grant program for surface transportation projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Electronic Item 5.1 is a copy of the notice of funding opportunity that details the $1.75 billion discretionary grant program for Fiscal Years (FY) 2017 and 2018, as well as the application requirements. Applications are due to the US DOT by November 2, 2017. For agencies in the region submitting projects, please be aware that you must complete the www.grants.gov registration process before submitting the application, and that this process usually takes two to four weeks to complete. Electronic Item 5.2 details the most recent discretionary grant program efforts in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and the resulting funding decisions. An overview of the FY2017 INFRA grant program process is available in Electronic Item 5.3.
Assistance to Texas and Evacuees to the Region Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present potential assistance proposed to be offered to the State of Texas as a result of the recent hurricane impacting portions of southern Texas. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval will be sought to authorize actions by the Director of Transportation in support of these efforts. Examples could include RTC Local funds for transit passes, staff assistance to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for identifying certified bridge inspectors, assistance to the City of Dallas in its emergency operation centers, and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) staff assistance to other MPOs. Background: In late August 2017, a major hurricane made landfall on the coast of Texas. Disaster recovery will be a long-term effort. Local governments, State authorities, and federal agencies as well as many non-profit disaster assistance agencies are currently responding to assist citizens. Partners continue to mobilize personnel and resources to support citizens along the coast and those relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. At the request of City of Fort Worth Mayor, Betsy Price, and in support of TxDOT Commissioner Bruce Bugg, assistance for 200 TxDOT families along the coast was also transmitted recently. These funds cannot be used for this purpose. The funds above may or may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Follow Up to the Cotton Belt Public Meeting Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the Cotton Belt regional passenger rail public meeting held on August 17, 2017. Background: Transit recommendations from previous metropolitan transportation plans for the North Central Texas region included regional rail service from southwest Fort Worth to Plano. At the August 17 public meeting, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff provided background information on the Cotton Belt passenger rail project that will extend from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Plano, as well as an overview of the innovative financing process essential to the delivery of the project. Electronic Item 7 contains a copy of the presentation from August 17. Staff is finalizing documentation of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Coppell, and Coppell/Dallas/private-developer commitments and the release of Regional Transportation Council funds for advancing the Cotton Belt corridor.
Mobility 2045 Update and Survey Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Work continues on the region’s next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045. Staff will present a brief overview of the progress to date including special initiatives. In addition, staff will present preliminary findings from a recent survey and a preview of a Mobility 2045 Workshop. Background: The last comprehensive update of the metropolitan transportation plan (MTP) occurred in 2016 with the adoption of Mobility 2040. Staff has continued MTP development with a variety of efforts. Development will continue over the next ten months with draft recommendations expected later this year. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2045 in June 2018. Mobility 2045 will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives. In addition, staff will provide an update regarding the recent survey conducted by North Central Texas Council of Governments seeking public input for Mobility 2045. Electronic Item 8.1 is a copy of the survey. A link to the online survey is found in Electronic Item 8.2.
Regional Transportation Council Transit Call for Projects Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Sarah Chadderdon, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present a summary of draft recommendations for projects submitted through the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Transit Call for Projects. Background: On February 27, 2017, the RTC issued a Call for Projects to competitively award Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding for two programs: the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (§5310) and Job Access/Reverse Commute (JA/RC) projects through the Urbanized Area Formula Program (§5307). Approximately $6.5 million was available for award in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas for projects addressing the transportation needs of low-income persons, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Staff evaluated 15 projects requesting federal funding of approximately $6.2 million. Electronic Item 9 provides a summary of projects evaluated and draft funding recommendations.
Aviation Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Multiple efforts are ongoing within the North Central Texas Council of Governments aviation program area. Staff will brief the Council on this year’s progress to date, including special initiatives. Background: Staff continues to work with regional stakeholders on numerous aviation-related initiatives. Primary efforts include airport funding, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulations, and the North Central Texas Aviation Education Initiative. To better understand and track airport project selection and programming for Texas airports, the Air Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) formed the Funding Subcommittee. The subcommittee is also working to see if more federal and State funding could be made available for aviation projects. ATAC also formed a UAS Subcommittee to monitor federal and State regulations and develop a draft regional ordinance available for local municipalities to mitigate reckless UAS operations. Outreach initiatives are ongoing to promote aviation-related education and careers to schools and other institutions. This update was presented to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee August 25, 2017. See Electronic Item10.1 and Electronic Item 10.2 for additional information.
Blue-Green-Gray Grant Opportunities Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will outline new grant opportunities that integrate infrastructure (i.e., gray) projects that have a water (i.e., blue) and environmental (i.e., green) component. Background: Electronic Item 11 summarizes a new program that was generated out of the Irving Summit last year. The initiatives address working outside traditional silos to develop innovative projects. More information will be presented at the meeting.
Transportation Improvement Program Quarterly Update: East/West Equity Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on new developments regarding east/west equity in the region and present the final equity shares for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act surface transportation bills. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has taken a position to monitor the equity allocation of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) non-formula commitments. The RTC appreciates the receipt of additional money to help the region build transportation projects and will monitor and reallocate funds when necessary to maintain similar equity levels established by the RTC during its own selection process. In December 2015, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act surface transportation bill was signed into law. In accordance with RTC policy, staff began monitoring the east/west equity under the FAST Act. As the funding from the previous surface transportation bills is no longer being allocated in the region, staff is proposing to close out the tracking of SAFETEA-LU and MAP-21, and include the final balances for those bills as line items in future tracking. Electronic Item 12.1 contains the final inventories for the TxDOT non-formula commitments under SAFETEA-LU and MAP-21. Electronic Item 12.2 inventories the TxDOT non-formula commitments under the current surface transportation bill. Additional details regarding the closeout of SAFETEA-LU and MAP-21 are available in Electronic Item 12.3.
CMAQ/STBG Funding: Local Bond Program Partnerships Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the proposed partnerships with local agencies under the Local Bond Program in the 2017-2018 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program Funding Program. Background: In April 2017, staff introduced the process to select projects using CMAQ and STBG funding via several funding programs. After receiving requests from local agencies that have upcoming bond elections or recently approved bond programs, staff is proposing an amount of funding that each entity is proposed to receive through this program. Details on those amounts and the overall funding program can be found in Electronic Item 13. Additional details on the proposed projects, funding, and timing will be presented at the October Regional Transportation Council meeting for action.
Heavy-Duty Diesel Inspection and Maintenance Pilot-Phase 2 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present results on the recently completed Heavy-Duty Diesel Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Pilot-Phase 2. Background: Heavy-duty diesel vehicles contribute approximately 48 percent of on-road emissions in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region, yet they are excluded from the State’s I/M Program. To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating diesel vehicles into the I/M Program, the North Central Texas Council of Governments partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the University of Denver to implement a pilot program to evaluate an emissions testing system. In October 2016, over 900 heavy-duty diesel vehicles were tested to characterize nitrogen oxides emissions. The system produced reliable emissions data that will help support additional applications. More details can be found in Electronic Item 14.
15. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 15.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 15.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 15.3) 16. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 17. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 18. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 12, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of August 10, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 10, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Fiscal Year 2018 Advertising for Transportation Initiatives Presenter: Mindy Mize, NCTCOG Item Summary: Support to recommend North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board approval of new funding of up to $1,250,000 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 advertising for transportation initiatives will be requested. Last month, the Surface Transportation Technical Committee recommended Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval. Background: Since 2014, the NCTCOG Executive Board has been authorizing annual large-scale advertising purchase and placement initiatives for the Transportation Department. Reference Item 2.1.1 provides information on FY2018 advertising costs, along with examples of past advertising. Advertising campaigns will support the Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Program, Ozone Season Emissions Reduction Campaign, Vehicle Technologies Program, notifications of opportunities for public input/public meetings, the North Texas Aviation Education Initiative, procurement outreach, the Congestion Management Program, regional freight, the Mobility Plan, and 511DFW. Electronic Item 2.1.2 explains the benefits of this initiative and showcases cost savings obtained from bulk advertising purchasing for the Transportation Department. 2.2. Regional Traffic Signal Retiming Program and Minor Improvement Program Call for Projects Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval is sought for the eligible project categories, process, scoring criteria, and schedule for the Regional Traffic Signal Retiming Program and Minor Improvement Program Calls for Projects. Background: Approximately $2 million and $2.9 million, respectively, is anticipated to be available to fund Regional Traffic Signal Retiming Program and Minor Improvement Program projects in the 10-county nonattainment area. Projects eligible under these programs are proposed to include on-system and off-system roadway facilities. Details regarding the proposed eligible and ineligible project types, evaluation criteria, and schedule for the Call for Projects are included in Electronic Item 2.2. 2.3. Extension of Funding for Transit Service in Collin County Presenter: Sarah Chadderdon, NCTCOG Item Summary: This item requests an extension of the Regional Transportation Council’s (RTC) approval of New Freedom Operating Assistance for transit service in Collin County for up to two years. Background: On May 12, 2016, the RTC approved operating funding for transit service in Collin County for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to leverage local dollars and a donation from Toyota. The approval supported transit service through September 2017 and three cities opted to partner with DART for service using this funding: Allen, Fairview, and Wylie. These cities wish to continue existing service for up to two years. The operating funding approved by RTC in May is sufficient to allow this extension without changing the total dollar amount approved for operating transit service in Collin County. There will still be excess federal funds from this project if the extension is approved. This federal funding will be reprogrammed through a larger transit grant cleanup effort in late 2017 and early 2018. Details are provided in Reference Item 2.3.
Approval of August 10, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the August 10, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
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 • Mike Taylor, National Drive Electric Week Event, September 9 • Victor Vandergriff and Glen Whitley, 2017 Irving Summit, August 15-16 2. RTC Subcommittee Appointments, Chair Rob Franke 3. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.1) 4. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 5. Air Quality Webinar: Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Street Light Retrofit, September 26 (Electronic Item 3.3) 6. August Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.4) 7. September Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.5) 8. Mobility Matters (Yogi Berra Column) (Handout) 9. New Executive Order on Infrastructure (Electronic Item 3.6) 10. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Updated Nonattainment Recommendation Excludes Hood County (Electronic Item 3.7) 11. T-HUD Floor Amendment-Rescission of Contract Authority (Electronic Item 3.8) 12. Public Comments Report (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
Big Projects in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Region Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Victor Vandergriff, Texas Transportation Commission and Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Commissioner Victor Vandergriff will continue the conversation that began at the Irving Transportation Summit regarding getting Big Projects completed in Texas. Michael Morris will highlight the needs and benefits for the eastern and western subregions of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Background: The Texas Transportation Commission is advancing projects from the December 2016 Regional Transportation Council (RTC) action. This is one of the top five priorities for the RTC this year. The Commission is reviewing uncommitted resources, year 11 Unified Transportation Program allocations, and the desire to advance large projects in urban areas.
2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grants Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the 2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance. Action will be sought on a partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation on project selection, as well as a policy on supporting other projects. Background: In July 2017, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) announced the replacement of the Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE) grant program with the 2017 INFRA grant program for surface transportation projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region, or a metropolitan area. Electronic Item 5.1 is a copy of the notice of funding opportunity that details the $1.75 billion discretionary grant program for Fiscal Years (FY) 2017 and 2018, as well as the application requirements. Applications are due to the US DOT by November 2, 2017. For agencies in the region submitting projects, please be aware that you must complete the www.grants.gov registration process before submitting the application, and that this process usually takes two to four weeks to complete. Electronic Item 5.2 details the most recent discretionary grant program efforts in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and the resulting funding decisions. An overview of the FY2017 INFRA grant program process is available in Electronic Item 5.3.
Assistance to Texas and Evacuees to the Region Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present potential assistance proposed to be offered to the State of Texas as a result of the recent hurricane impacting portions of southern Texas. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval will be sought to authorize actions by the Director of Transportation in support of these efforts. Examples could include RTC Local funds for transit passes, staff assistance to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for identifying certified bridge inspectors, assistance to the City of Dallas in its emergency operation centers, and metropolitan planning organization (MPO) staff assistance to other MPOs. Background: In late August 2017, a major hurricane made landfall on the coast of Texas. Disaster recovery will be a long-term effort. Local governments, State authorities, and federal agencies as well as many non-profit disaster assistance agencies are currently responding to assist citizens. Partners continue to mobilize personnel and resources to support citizens along the coast and those relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. At the request of City of Fort Worth Mayor, Betsy Price, and in support of TxDOT Commissioner Bruce Bugg, assistance for 200 TxDOT families along the coast was also transmitted recently. These funds cannot be used for this purpose. The funds above may or may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Follow Up to the Cotton Belt Public Meeting Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an overview of the Cotton Belt regional passenger rail public meeting held on August 17, 2017. Background: Transit recommendations from previous metropolitan transportation plans for the North Central Texas region included regional rail service from southwest Fort Worth to Plano. At the August 17 public meeting, North Central Texas Council of Governments staff provided background information on the Cotton Belt passenger rail project that will extend from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Plano, as well as an overview of the innovative financing process essential to the delivery of the project. Electronic Item 7 contains a copy of the presentation from August 17. Staff is finalizing documentation of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Coppell, and Coppell/Dallas/private-developer commitments and the release of Regional Transportation Council funds for advancing the Cotton Belt corridor.
Mobility 2045 Update and Survey Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Kevin Feldt, NCTCOG Item Summary: Work continues on the region’s next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045. Staff will present a brief overview of the progress to date including special initiatives. In addition, staff will present preliminary findings from a recent survey and a preview of a Mobility 2045 Workshop. Background: The last comprehensive update of the metropolitan transportation plan (MTP) occurred in 2016 with the adoption of Mobility 2040. Staff has continued MTP development with a variety of efforts. Development will continue over the next ten months with draft recommendations expected later this year. The Regional Transportation Council is expected to take action on Mobility 2045 in June 2018. Mobility 2045 will reassess existing recommendations and include new demographics, financial forecasts, and planning initiatives. In addition, staff will provide an update regarding the recent survey conducted by North Central Texas Council of Governments seeking public input for Mobility 2045. Electronic Item 8.1 is a copy of the survey. A link to the online survey is found in Electronic Item 8.2.
Regional Transportation Council Transit Call for Projects Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Sarah Chadderdon, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present a summary of draft recommendations for projects submitted through the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Transit Call for Projects. Background: On February 27, 2017, the RTC issued a Call for Projects to competitively award Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding for two programs: the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (§5310) and Job Access/Reverse Commute (JA/RC) projects through the Urbanized Area Formula Program (§5307). Approximately $6.5 million was available for award in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas for projects addressing the transportation needs of low-income persons, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Staff evaluated 15 projects requesting federal funding of approximately $6.2 million. Electronic Item 9 provides a summary of projects evaluated and draft funding recommendations.
Aviation Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Multiple efforts are ongoing within the North Central Texas Council of Governments aviation program area. Staff will brief the Council on this year’s progress to date, including special initiatives. Background: Staff continues to work with regional stakeholders on numerous aviation-related initiatives. Primary efforts include airport funding, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulations, and the North Central Texas Aviation Education Initiative. To better understand and track airport project selection and programming for Texas airports, the Air Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) formed the Funding Subcommittee. The subcommittee is also working to see if more federal and State funding could be made available for aviation projects. ATAC also formed a UAS Subcommittee to monitor federal and State regulations and develop a draft regional ordinance available for local municipalities to mitigate reckless UAS operations. Outreach initiatives are ongoing to promote aviation-related education and careers to schools and other institutions. This update was presented to the Surface Transportation Technical Committee August 25, 2017. See Electronic Item10.1 and Electronic Item 10.2 for additional information.
Blue-Green-Gray Grant Opportunities Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will outline new grant opportunities that integrate infrastructure (i.e., gray) projects that have a water (i.e., blue) and environmental (i.e., green) component. Background: Electronic Item 11 summarizes a new program that was generated out of the Irving Summit last year. The initiatives address working outside traditional silos to develop innovative projects. More information will be presented at the meeting.
Transportation Improvement Program Quarterly Update: East/West Equity Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide an update on new developments regarding east/west equity in the region and present the final equity shares for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act surface transportation bills. Background: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has taken a position to monitor the equity allocation of Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) non-formula commitments. The RTC appreciates the receipt of additional money to help the region build transportation projects and will monitor and reallocate funds when necessary to maintain similar equity levels established by the RTC during its own selection process. In December 2015, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act surface transportation bill was signed into law. In accordance with RTC policy, staff began monitoring the east/west equity under the FAST Act. As the funding from the previous surface transportation bills is no longer being allocated in the region, staff is proposing to close out the tracking of SAFETEA-LU and MAP-21, and include the final balances for those bills as line items in future tracking. Electronic Item 12.1 contains the final inventories for the TxDOT non-formula commitments under SAFETEA-LU and MAP-21. Electronic Item 12.2 inventories the TxDOT non-formula commitments under the current surface transportation bill. Additional details regarding the closeout of SAFETEA-LU and MAP-21 are available in Electronic Item 12.3.
CMAQ/STBG Funding: Local Bond Program Partnerships Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Council on the proposed partnerships with local agencies under the Local Bond Program in the 2017-2018 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program Funding Program. Background: In April 2017, staff introduced the process to select projects using CMAQ and STBG funding via several funding programs. After receiving requests from local agencies that have upcoming bond elections or recently approved bond programs, staff is proposing an amount of funding that each entity is proposed to receive through this program. Details on those amounts and the overall funding program can be found in Electronic Item 13. Additional details on the proposed projects, funding, and timing will be presented at the October Regional Transportation Council meeting for action.
Heavy-Duty Diesel Inspection and Maintenance Pilot-Phase 2 Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present results on the recently completed Heavy-Duty Diesel Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Pilot-Phase 2. Background: Heavy-duty diesel vehicles contribute approximately 48 percent of on-road emissions in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region, yet they are excluded from the State’s I/M Program. To evaluate the feasibility of incorporating diesel vehicles into the I/M Program, the North Central Texas Council of Governments partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the University of Denver to implement a pilot program to evaluate an emissions testing system. In October 2016, over 900 heavy-duty diesel vehicles were tested to characterize nitrogen oxides emissions. The system produced reliable emissions data that will help support additional applications. More details can be found in Electronic Item 14.
15. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 15.1) • STTC Attendance and Minutes (Electronic Item 15.2) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 15.3) 16. Other Business (Old or New): This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of interest before the group. 17. Future Agenda Items: This item provides an opportunity for members to bring items of future interest before the Council. 18. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, October 12, 2017, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.