Approval of November 9, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the November 9, 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. Holiday Letter (Electronic Item 3.1) 2. Loop 9 Environmentally Cleared from IH 35E to IH 45 3. SH 360 Toll Rates and Opening Day 4. 2018 Regional Transportation Council Meeting Schedule (Electronic Item 3.2) 5. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.3) 6. DFW Clean Cities Event: Idle Reduction Webinar, January 30 (Electronic Item 3.4) 7. Volkswagen Settlement Update: Designation of Statewide Lead Agency (Electronic Item 3.5.1) and Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.5.2) 8. November Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.6) 9. December Input Opportunity Notice (Electronic Item 3.7) 10. Traffic Count Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.8) 11. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.9) 12. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 13. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 14. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 15. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Performance Measures: Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of proposed regional targets for measuring and evaluating the performance of two aspects of the transportation system. Roadway safety targets are focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities for motorized and non-motorized travelers. Transit asset management targets are focused on ensuring that public transportation vehicles, rail lines, and other capital assets are in a state of good repair. In addition, the RTC will establish an aspirational goal regarding the safety of the users of the ground transportation system. Background: Federal surface transportation legislation and associated federal rulemakings have laid out quantitative performance measure requirements for aspects of the transportation system. As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the North Central Texas region, the RTC is required to set targets for system roadway safety and transit asset management. These targets will be used to track and report on the region’s performance through existing documents such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program, and the State of the Region report. The proposed regional targets for roadway safety and transit asset management are provided in Reference Item 4.1. On November 9, 2017, the RTC requested additional information on the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ programs and projects that address Texas Department of Transportation Strategic Highway Safety Plan emphasis areas, and this information is available in Electronic Item 4.2.
US 75 Technology Lanes Next Steps Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has approved funding for technology lanes on US 75 north of IH 635 to McKinney. Support is requested to continue a partnership with the Federal Highway Administration Division Office and explore policy, operational, and legislative relief to advance these improvements in the corridor. Background: The RTC has funded improvements to US 75 that will modernize early interim, temporary high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) improvements on US 75. These improvements are modeled after similar improvements on SH 161 in Irving. Focus is on additional capacity during the peak periods. The US 75 improvements will include the use of shoulder lanes in the off-peak period, as well, to mitigate non-recurring, incident-related congestion. Legislative relief has been used elsewhere in the United States to modernize early implemented HOV lanes that used Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funds. Reference Item 5 contains a copy of previous legislation and proposed correspondence for approval.
"Big Projects": IH 635 East Update and Communication Program with the Texas Legislature Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will communicate the latest correspondence to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and from the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) on IH 635 East and "Big Projects." In addition, Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to initiate a legislative program with the Texas legislature will be requested. Background: Funding for IH 635 East and implementing "Big Projects" in the region and the State of Texas has been discussed over the last several months. The IH 635 East Phase 3 project is escalating in cost by $5 million per month. An RTC position will be outlined that includes: 1) comments for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Unified Transportation Program (Handout), 2) advancing the IH 635/Skillman/Audelia project into the TxDOT procurement process (Electronic Item 6.1), and 3) reminding policy officials that RTC responsibilities are not synonymous with State legislative officials under Title 23 and 49 of the United States Code (Electronic Item 6.2). This will include proposed communication between the RTC and the North Texas Legislative Delegation on many transportation revenue items that have received little or negative support in reducing the need for tolled managed lanes. Electronic Item 6.3 contains a copy of the NTTA
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Floor Amendment: Rescission of Contract Authority (Carryover from October RTC Meeting) Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will discuss recent actions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 and FY2018 appropriations. Background: The United States House of Representatives recently approved a FY2018 omnibus appropriations bill (HR 3354), including Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) funding. The House included an amendment offered by Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA) in the bill. The amendment allows states more flexibility in implementing the $800 million rescission of unobligated highway contract authority balances that are mandated, but it also strikes the language that currently prevents the highway rescission from applying to safety programs and to sub-allocated Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funds. This bill goes to the Senate next for consideration. In addition, Congress passed a continuing resolution extending FY2017 funding levels through December 8, and continues to negotiate another extension. This will provide additional time to finalize FY2018 funding levels and avoid a government shutdown. Additional
Air Quality Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide a summary of the 2017 ozone season activity for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region, information on the status of the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Ozone, and other air quality updates. Background: The end of November concluded another ozone season for the DFW region. Staff has been tracking the exceedance days at each monitor and will provide a summary of the 2017 ozone season data for the revised 2015 ozone standard of 70 parts per billion (ppb). The DFW region is classified as “moderate” nonattainment under the current standard, and has a 2018 attainment deadline. On November 16, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated counties under the 2015 NAAQS for ozone as attainment/unclassifiable or unclassifiable. No counties in North Central Texas were listed. However, additional counties may be added under a separate rule. More information is provided in Electronic Item 8.
Mobility 2045 Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Kevin Feldt and Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present a brief overview of the progress to date as work continues on the region's next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045, including special initiatives. In addition, staff will present the following items: • Mobility 2045 draft list of projects • Schedule for Mobility 2045 completion • Technology driven transportation (high-speed rail, next generation magnetic levitation, General Motors, people movers, and rideshare) (Electronic Item 9) 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 that will continue over the next six months. 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, planning initiatives, and technology driven transportation.
Rise of Fraudulent Temporary Vehicle Registration Tags Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: There has been a sharp increase in fraudulent and improper temporary vehicle registrations, or temporary tags, since Texas linked vehicle inspections with registration. Staff will discuss efforts to combat this growing problem and the potential impacts on air quality, safety, and local and State revenue. Background: Nonattainment areas in the state once had a high incidence of counterfeit emissions inspections/certificates, which led to the passage of House Bill (HB) 2305 during the 83rd Texas Legislature. This eliminated the inspection certificate, requiring motorists to obtain an inspection within 90 days of registration expiration. While HB 2305 was successful in eliminating counterfeit inspection certificates, an unintended consequence was an increase in fraudulent temporary vehicle registrations, or temporary tags. Unscrupulous auto dealers improperly issue temporary tags when vehicles cannot otherwise pass the emissions inspection to obtain a valid registration. A lack of security features, numerous tag types with similar designs, and different requirements for placement on the vehicle complicate enforcement efforts. More details can be found in Electronic Item 10.
Transportation Funding Categories Summary Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: A summary of transportation funding categories will be provided. Background: At the November 9, 2017, Regional Transportation Council meeting, Chair Rob Franke requested that staff provide a summary of transportation funding categorie
12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 12.1) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.2) 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, January 11, 2018, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Approval of November 9, 2017, Minutes Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Rob Franke, RTC Chair Item Summary: Approval of the November 9, 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. Holiday Letter (Electronic Item 3.1) 2. Loop 9 Environmentally Cleared from IH 35E to IH 45 3. SH 360 Toll Rates and Opening Day 4. 2018 Regional Transportation Council Meeting Schedule (Electronic Item 3.2) 5. Air Quality Funding Opportunities for Vehicles (Electronic Item 3.3) 6. DFW Clean Cities Event: Idle Reduction Webinar, January 30 (Electronic Item 3.4) 7. Volkswagen Settlement Update: Designation of Statewide Lead Agency (Electronic Item 3.5.1) and Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.5.2) 8. November Public Meeting Minutes (Electronic Item 3.6) 9. December Input Opportunity Notice (Electronic Item 3.7) 10. Traffic Count Fact Sheet (Electronic Item 3.8) 11. Public Comments Report (Electronic Item 3.9) 12. Recent Correspondence (Electronic Item 3.10) 13. Recent News Articles (Electronic Item 3.11) 14. Recent Press Releases (Electronic Item 3.12) 15. Transportation Partners Progress Reports
Performance Measures: Roadway Safety and Transit Asset Management Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Natalie Bettger, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will request Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval of proposed regional targets for measuring and evaluating the performance of two aspects of the transportation system. Roadway safety targets are focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities for motorized and non-motorized travelers. Transit asset management targets are focused on ensuring that public transportation vehicles, rail lines, and other capital assets are in a state of good repair. In addition, the RTC will establish an aspirational goal regarding the safety of the users of the ground transportation system. Background: Federal surface transportation legislation and associated federal rulemakings have laid out quantitative performance measure requirements for aspects of the transportation system. As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the North Central Texas region, the RTC is required to set targets for system roadway safety and transit asset management. These targets will be used to track and report on the region’s performance through existing documents such as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program, and the State of the Region report. The proposed regional targets for roadway safety and transit asset management are provided in Reference Item 4.1. On November 9, 2017, the RTC requested additional information on the North Central Texas Council of Governments’ programs and projects that address Texas Department of Transportation Strategic Highway Safety Plan emphasis areas, and this information is available in Electronic Item 4.2.
US 75 Technology Lanes Next Steps Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has approved funding for technology lanes on US 75 north of IH 635 to McKinney. Support is requested to continue a partnership with the Federal Highway Administration Division Office and explore policy, operational, and legislative relief to advance these improvements in the corridor. Background: The RTC has funded improvements to US 75 that will modernize early interim, temporary high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) improvements on US 75. These improvements are modeled after similar improvements on SH 161 in Irving. Focus is on additional capacity during the peak periods. The US 75 improvements will include the use of shoulder lanes in the off-peak period, as well, to mitigate non-recurring, incident-related congestion. Legislative relief has been used elsewhere in the United States to modernize early implemented HOV lanes that used Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funds. Reference Item 5 contains a copy of previous legislation and proposed correspondence for approval.
"Big Projects": IH 635 East Update and Communication Program with the Texas Legislature Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will communicate the latest correspondence to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and from the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) on IH 635 East and "Big Projects." In addition, Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approval to initiate a legislative program with the Texas legislature will be requested. Background: Funding for IH 635 East and implementing "Big Projects" in the region and the State of Texas has been discussed over the last several months. The IH 635 East Phase 3 project is escalating in cost by $5 million per month. An RTC position will be outlined that includes: 1) comments for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Unified Transportation Program (Handout), 2) advancing the IH 635/Skillman/Audelia project into the TxDOT procurement process (Electronic Item 6.1), and 3) reminding policy officials that RTC responsibilities are not synonymous with State legislative officials under Title 23 and 49 of the United States Code (Electronic Item 6.2). This will include proposed communication between the RTC and the North Texas Legislative Delegation on many transportation revenue items that have received little or negative support in reducing the need for tolled managed lanes. Electronic Item 6.3 contains a copy of the NTTA
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Floor Amendment: Rescission of Contract Authority (Carryover from October RTC Meeting) Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Amanda Wilson, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will discuss recent actions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 and FY2018 appropriations. Background: The United States House of Representatives recently approved a FY2018 omnibus appropriations bill (HR 3354), including Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) funding. The House included an amendment offered by Representative Rob Woodall (R-GA) in the bill. The amendment allows states more flexibility in implementing the $800 million rescission of unobligated highway contract authority balances that are mandated, but it also strikes the language that currently prevents the highway rescission from applying to safety programs and to sub-allocated Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) funds. This bill goes to the Senate next for consideration. In addition, Congress passed a continuing resolution extending FY2017 funding levels through December 8, and continues to negotiate another extension. This will provide additional time to finalize FY2018 funding levels and avoid a government shutdown. Additional
Air Quality Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will provide a summary of the 2017 ozone season activity for the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region, information on the status of the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for Ozone, and other air quality updates. Background: The end of November concluded another ozone season for the DFW region. Staff has been tracking the exceedance days at each monitor and will provide a summary of the 2017 ozone season data for the revised 2015 ozone standard of 70 parts per billion (ppb). The DFW region is classified as “moderate” nonattainment under the current standard, and has a 2018 attainment deadline. On November 16, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated counties under the 2015 NAAQS for ozone as attainment/unclassifiable or unclassifiable. No counties in North Central Texas were listed. However, additional counties may be added under a separate rule. More information is provided in Electronic Item 8.
Mobility 2045 Update Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenters: Kevin Feldt and Michael Morris, NCTCOG Item Summary: Staff will present a brief overview of the progress to date as work continues on the region's next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2045, including special initiatives. In addition, staff will present the following items: • Mobility 2045 draft list of projects • Schedule for Mobility 2045 completion • Technology driven transportation (high-speed rail, next generation magnetic levitation, General Motors, people movers, and rideshare) (Electronic Item 9) 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 that will continue over the next six months. 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, planning initiatives, and technology driven transportation.
Rise of Fraudulent Temporary Vehicle Registration Tags Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 10 Presenter: Chris Klaus, NCTCOG Item Summary: There has been a sharp increase in fraudulent and improper temporary vehicle registrations, or temporary tags, since Texas linked vehicle inspections with registration. Staff will discuss efforts to combat this growing problem and the potential impacts on air quality, safety, and local and State revenue. Background: Nonattainment areas in the state once had a high incidence of counterfeit emissions inspections/certificates, which led to the passage of House Bill (HB) 2305 during the 83rd Texas Legislature. This eliminated the inspection certificate, requiring motorists to obtain an inspection within 90 days of registration expiration. While HB 2305 was successful in eliminating counterfeit inspection certificates, an unintended consequence was an increase in fraudulent temporary vehicle registrations, or temporary tags. Unscrupulous auto dealers improperly issue temporary tags when vehicles cannot otherwise pass the emissions inspection to obtain a valid registration. A lack of security features, numerous tag types with similar designs, and different requirements for placement on the vehicle complicate enforcement efforts. More details can be found in Electronic Item 10.
Transportation Funding Categories Summary Action Possible Action Information Minutes: 5 Presenter: Christie Gotti, NCTCOG Item Summary: A summary of transportation funding categories will be provided. Background: At the November 9, 2017, Regional Transportation Council meeting, Chair Rob Franke requested that staff provide a summary of transportation funding categorie
12. Progress Reports Action Possible Action Information Item Summary: Progress Reports are provided in the items below. • RTC Attendance (Reference Item 12.1) • Local Motion (Electronic Item 12.2) 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, January 11, 2018, at the North Central Texas Council of Governments.