Approval of September 14, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the September 14, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications and Approval of Transportation Development Credits to Close Out Older Transit Grants Presenters: Ken Bunkley and Sarah Chadderdon, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested, including the approval of Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) in support of a partnership among the RTC, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Approval to amend the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and any other necessary planning/administrative documents with changes reflected in the TIP modifications will also be requested. Background: November 2017 revisions to the 2017-2020 TIP are provided as Electronic Item 2.1.1 for the Council’s consideration. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the TIP. The FTA identified a potential loss of federal funds that support transit service in the McKinney Urbanized Area, as presented to the RTC in April 2017. Additional information was provided in Electronic Item 2.1.2. Staff requested TxDOT’s assistance in identifying an alternate resolution, provided in Electronic Item 2.1.3. As a result of this coordinated effort, FTA provided an opportunity to close out older grants using TDCs to prevent this loss of FTA funds. The approval of TDCs for these grants through this TIP modification cycle resolves the issue. 2.2. FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Vickie Alexander, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will be requested. Direction for staff to also amend other administrative/planning documents, as appropriate, to reflect the approved modifications will also be sought. Background: The Unified Planning Work Program is required by federal and State transportation planning regulations and provides a summary of the transportation and transportation-related air quality planning tasks to be conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organization staff. The FY2018 and FY2019 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2019. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect project updates and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments were presented to the public through the September 11, 13, and 18, 2017, public meetings and are also included as Electronic Item 2.2.1. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 2.2.2. Comments received as a result of the public outreach process, if any, will be provided as a handout at the meeting. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its September meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval of the modifications.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Moment of Silence for the Victims of the Tragedy in Las Vegas and the Recent Hurricanes 2. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Subcommittee Appointments, Chair Rob Franke 3. Update on Texas Department of Transportation "Big Projects" 4. Update on Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant Applications 5. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.1) 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 7. Air Quality Webinar: Clean Vehicle Solutions for School Districts, October 31 (Electronic Item 3.3) 8. Volkswagen Settlement Update (Electronic Item 3.4) 9. September Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.5) 10. October Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.6) 11. Road-to-Work Opportunity Pilot Project (Electronic Item 3.7) 12. Cotton Belt Passenger Rail Corridor RTC and Partner Commitments (Electronic Item 3.8) 13. Traffic Incident Management Executive Level Course (Electronic Item 3.9) 14. Travel Demand Management Program Performance Measures (Electronic Item 3.10) 15. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.11) 16. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.12) 17. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.13) 18. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.14) 19. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Regional Transportation Council Federal Transit Administration Call for Projects Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Sarah Chadderdon Item Summary: Staff will provide a summary and request approval of funding recommendations for ten projects under the 2017 Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Transit Call for Projects. Background: The RTC Transit Call for Projects opened on February 27, 2017, and 15 projects were submitted by the deadline of April 7, 2017. Funding was available from two Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs: the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (§5310) and Job Access/Reverse Commute projects through the Urbanized Area Formula Program (§5307). Eligible projects addressed the transportation needs of low-income persons, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas. Project recommendations are contained in Reference Item 4.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program/Surface Transportation Block Grant Program: Local Bond Program Partnerships Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request approval of the proposed list of projects to fund under the Local Bond Program Partnerships portion of the 2017- 2018 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) Funding Program. Background: In April 2017, staff introduced the process to select projects using CMAQ and STBG funding through several funding programs. After coordination with partnering agencies that have upcoming bond elections or recently approved bond programs, projects have been identified to fund through this program. The recommended list of projects and funding amounts is provided in Reference Item 5.1. Additional details on the Local Bond Program Partnerships Program are available in Electronic Item 5.2.
2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grants Project Submittal Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects to be submitted in the 2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance. 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 6.1 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. A review of the previous INFRA Grant presentation from last month can be found in Electronic Item 6.2. An overview of the FY2017 INFRA Grant Program request is available in Reference Item 6.3.
"Big Projects" in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Region Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be asked to approve a series of policy actions to advance the next "Big Projects" in the region. Background: The RTC was briefed by Commissioner Victor Vandergriff, Texas Transportation Commission and Michael Morris, North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Director at the September 14, 2017, RTC meeting. In his presentation, Mr. Morris noted that action would be requested at this meeting. There are four RTC Policy Positions proposed: 1. P17-01, Policy Support to Expedite IH 635 Phase 3 from US 75 To and Including the IH 30 Interchange (Reference Item 7.1) 2. P17-02, Policy Support to Expedite IH 20 "Y" Connection/IH 820/US 287 (Reference Item 7.2) 3. P17-03, Policy Support to Define Improvements on SH 183/IH 35W/IH 30/IH 45/US 175 and to Identify Resources (Reference Item 7.3) 4. P17-04, Policy Support to Advance Current Commitments (Reference Item 7.4) Reference Item 7.5 contains a draft RTC letter to the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) requesting primacy be waived on the eastern subregion projects. Staff is requesting approval of all four policies and the NTTA letter.
Regional Transportation Council Efforts Supporting Amazon HQ2 Location Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) supports large employers coming to the region and is silent on endorsement of specific locations within the region. This item will highlight North Central Texas Council of Government assistance requested by the Dallas Regional Chamber. Background: There have been many analyses from outsiders that underestimate the value the Dallas-Fort Worth region has related to labor force, timeliness, logistics, and transportation. These analyses have been conducted without a complete understanding of the region's transportation systems. These elements have been presented in detail to the Dallas Regional Chamber. In addition, Electronic Item 8 includes a previous funding commitment from an earlier opportunity. This form of commitment is being made in this opportunity, as well. The deadline for responses is October 19, 2017.
Mobility 2045 Workshop Follow Up 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 and information presented at the 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 eight months with draft recommendations expected in early 2018. 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.
High-Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy/Technology Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the managed lane performance report and the status of the automated auto occupancy verification initiative for managed lanes. Background: As part of the adoption of the Tolled Managed Lane and High- Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/Express Managed Lane policies, the RTC requires regular reports provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding performance of the managed lane facilities and the North Texas Tollway Authority regarding customer service demands. The RTC’s Tolled Managed Lane Policy provides for a 50 percent peak period HOV discount, paid for with Regional Toll Revenue dollars. Currently, HOV users wishing to receive the discount must register their trip as an HOV trip in advance of taking that trip. Enforcement is done through a manual process where an officer verifies that a declared HOV vehicle has at least two occupants. This is a dangerous situation for the police officers as well as a disruption to traffic flow when potential violators are pulled over on the side of the road. The RTC policy includes a provision to explore a technology solution for the verification of auto occupancy rather than relying on manual enforcement. Recently, the North Central Texas Council of Governments has contracted with a vendor, CARMA Technology Corporation, to perform a pilot test on the DFW Connector corridor for a proposed technology solution. If successful, the technology solution can be implemented on all tolled managed lanes within the region with provisions that it could also be employed statewide through TxDOT. Adjourn
Approval of September 14, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the September 14, 2017, minutes contained in Reference Item 1 will be requested. Background: N/A
Consent Agenda Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 0 2.1. Transportation Improvement Program Modifications and Approval of Transportation Development Credits to Close Out Older Transit Grants Presenters: Ken Bunkley and Sarah Chadderdon, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of revisions to the 2017-2020 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) will be requested, including the approval of Transportation Development Credits (TDCs) in support of a partnership among the RTC, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Approval to amend the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and any other necessary planning/administrative documents with changes reflected in the TIP modifications will also be requested. Background: November 2017 revisions to the 2017-2020 TIP are provided as Electronic Item 2.1.1 for the Council’s consideration. These modifications have been reviewed for consistency with the Mobility Plan, the air quality conformity determination, and financial constraint of the TIP. The FTA identified a potential loss of federal funds that support transit service in the McKinney Urbanized Area, as presented to the RTC in April 2017. Additional information was provided in Electronic Item 2.1.2. Staff requested TxDOT’s assistance in identifying an alternate resolution, provided in Electronic Item 2.1.3. As a result of this coordinated effort, FTA provided an opportunity to close out older grants using TDCs to prevent this loss of FTA funds. The approval of TDCs for these grants through this TIP modification cycle resolves the issue. 2.2. FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program Modifications Presenter: Vickie Alexander, NCTCOG Item Summary: Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of modifications to the FY2018 and FY2019 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) will be requested. Direction for staff to also amend other administrative/planning documents, as appropriate, to reflect the approved modifications will also be sought. Background: The Unified Planning Work Program is required by federal and State transportation planning regulations and provides a summary of the transportation and transportation-related air quality planning tasks to be conducted by Metropolitan Planning Organization staff. The FY2018 and FY2019 UPWP identifies the activities to be carried out between October 1, 2017, and September 30, 2019. Amendments to this document are being proposed to reflect project updates and funding adjustments. The proposed amendments were presented to the public through the September 11, 13, and 18, 2017, public meetings and are also included as Electronic Item 2.2.1. Additional information is provided in Electronic Item 2.2.2. Comments received as a result of the public outreach process, if any, will be provided as a handout at the meeting. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee took action at its September meeting to recommend Regional Transportation Council approval of the modifications.
Orientation to Agenda/Director of Transportation Report Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 15 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG 1. Moment of Silence for the Victims of the Tragedy in Las Vegas and the Recent Hurricanes 2. Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Subcommittee Appointments, Chair Rob Franke 3. Update on Texas Department of Transportation "Big Projects" 4. Update on Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant Applications 5. Ozone Season Update (Electronic Item 3.1) 6. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.2) 7. Air Quality Webinar: Clean Vehicle Solutions for School Districts, October 31 (Electronic Item 3.3) 8. Volkswagen Settlement Update (Electronic Item 3.4) 9. September Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.5) 10. October Public Meeting Notice (Electronic Item 3.6) 11. Road-to-Work Opportunity Pilot Project (Electronic Item 3.7) 12. Cotton Belt Passenger Rail Corridor RTC and Partner Commitments (Electronic Item 3.8) 13. Traffic Incident Management Executive Level Course (Electronic Item 3.9) 14. Travel Demand Management Program Performance Measures (Electronic Item 3.10) 15. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.11) 16. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.12) 17. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.13) 18. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.14) 19. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Regional Transportation Council Federal Transit Administration Call for Projects Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Sarah Chadderdon Item Summary: Staff will provide a summary and request approval of funding recommendations for ten projects under the 2017 Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Transit Call for Projects. Background: The RTC Transit Call for Projects opened on February 27, 2017, and 15 projects were submitted by the deadline of April 7, 2017. Funding was available from two Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs: the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program (§5310) and Job Access/Reverse Commute projects through the Urbanized Area Formula Program (§5307). Eligible projects addressed the transportation needs of low-income persons, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Denton-Lewisville urbanized areas. Project recommendations are contained in Reference Item 4.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program/Surface Transportation Block Grant Program: Local Bond Program Partnerships Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request approval of the proposed list of projects to fund under the Local Bond Program Partnerships portion of the 2017- 2018 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) Funding Program. Background: In April 2017, staff introduced the process to select projects using CMAQ and STBG funding through several funding programs. After coordination with partnering agencies that have upcoming bond elections or recently approved bond programs, projects have been identified to fund through this program. The recommended list of projects and funding amounts is provided in Reference Item 5.1. Additional details on the Local Bond Program Partnerships Program are available in Electronic Item 5.2.
2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grants Project Submittal Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Adam Beckom, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of projects to be submitted in the 2017 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant Program for highway and freight projects of national and regional significance. 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 6.1 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. A review of the previous INFRA Grant presentation from last month can be found in Electronic Item 6.2. An overview of the FY2017 INFRA Grant Program request is available in Reference Item 6.3.
"Big Projects" in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Region Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will be asked to approve a series of policy actions to advance the next "Big Projects" in the region. Background: The RTC was briefed by Commissioner Victor Vandergriff, Texas Transportation Commission and Michael Morris, North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Director at the September 14, 2017, RTC meeting. In his presentation, Mr. Morris noted that action would be requested at this meeting. There are four RTC Policy Positions proposed: 1. P17-01, Policy Support to Expedite IH 635 Phase 3 from US 75 To and Including the IH 30 Interchange (Reference Item 7.1) 2. P17-02, Policy Support to Expedite IH 20 "Y" Connection/IH 820/US 287 (Reference Item 7.2) 3. P17-03, Policy Support to Define Improvements on SH 183/IH 35W/IH 30/IH 45/US 175 and to Identify Resources (Reference Item 7.3) 4. P17-04, Policy Support to Advance Current Commitments (Reference Item 7.4) Reference Item 7.5 contains a draft RTC letter to the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) requesting primacy be waived on the eastern subregion projects. Staff is requesting approval of all four policies and the NTTA letter.
Regional Transportation Council Efforts Supporting Amazon HQ2 Location Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) supports large employers coming to the region and is silent on endorsement of specific locations within the region. This item will highlight North Central Texas Council of Government assistance requested by the Dallas Regional Chamber. Background: There have been many analyses from outsiders that underestimate the value the Dallas-Fort Worth region has related to labor force, timeliness, logistics, and transportation. These analyses have been conducted without a complete understanding of the region's transportation systems. These elements have been presented in detail to the Dallas Regional Chamber. In addition, Electronic Item 8 includes a previous funding commitment from an earlier opportunity. This form of commitment is being made in this opportunity, as well. The deadline for responses is October 19, 2017.
Mobility 2045 Workshop Follow Up 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 and information presented at the 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 eight months with draft recommendations expected in early 2018. 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.
High-Occupancy Vehicle Subsidy/Technology Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Dan Lamers, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will brief the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) on the managed lane performance report and the status of the automated auto occupancy verification initiative for managed lanes. Background: As part of the adoption of the Tolled Managed Lane and High- Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/Express Managed Lane policies, the RTC requires regular reports provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) regarding performance of the managed lane facilities and the North Texas Tollway Authority regarding customer service demands. The RTC’s Tolled Managed Lane Policy provides for a 50 percent peak period HOV discount, paid for with Regional Toll Revenue dollars. Currently, HOV users wishing to receive the discount must register their trip as an HOV trip in advance of taking that trip. Enforcement is done through a manual process where an officer verifies that a declared HOV vehicle has at least two occupants. This is a dangerous situation for the police officers as well as a disruption to traffic flow when potential violators are pulled over on the side of the road. The RTC policy includes a provision to explore a technology solution for the verification of auto occupancy rather than relying on manual enforcement. Recently, the North Central Texas Council of Governments has contracted with a vendor, CARMA Technology Corporation, to perform a pilot test on the DFW Connector corridor for a proposed technology solution. If successful, the technology solution can be implemented on all tolled managed lanes within the region with provisions that it could also be employed statewide through TxDOT. Adjourn